Process Engineer - Plant

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

The Process Engineer is the main technical support for our ADS manufacturing sites. This person works closely with these manufacturing sites helping them improve their productivity through extrusion processing, equipment reliability, equipment upgrades (including replacements), standard work, and standardized processes.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Work with the various teams to develop and deploy processes that help standardize manufacturing practices
• Support new production tooling runs
• Identify productivity improvement opportunities and work with the manufacturing site to develop and implement these opportunities
• Support production associate training as needed
• Reviews the condition of existing manufacturing lines and work with the manufacturing teams to develop and execute equipment/line improvement plans
• Assist the plant teams in reviewing their equipment needs and helping to prioritize these needs for capital planning purposes
• Managing key equipment installations working closely with the manufacturing teams
• Developing standard operating procedures for key manufacturing processes
• Lead systematic problem-solving teams to help identify root causes and permanent corrective actions for key manufacturing issues
• Provide formal updates and reviews to Leadership on key projects, tooling runs, and improvement activities that are being implemented
• Share lessons learned and best practices amongst the plants
• Drive best practices and continuous improvement through standardized processes
• Collaborate with various Operation teams to resolve project obstacles or roadblocks Work with the various teams to develop and deploy processes that help standardize manufacturing practices
• Lead lean Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts (A3, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, etc.) to improve process and equipment reliability
• Lead lean Root Cause Analysis (RCA) efforts (A3, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, etc.) to improve process and equipment reliability
• Develop, manage and implement capital equipment projects that support production.

This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:

• Excellent interpersonal skills o Solid analytical & systematic problem-solving skills
• Lean Manufacturing o Ability to communicate at all levels of the organization
• Six Sigma o Ability to drive continuous improvement methodology
• Development and roll out of SOPs o Plastic processing equipment
• Resilience and resourcefulness o Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Strong extrusion processing skills o Equipment reliability and maintainability

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Plastics, Industrial, Mechanical, or another Engineering discipline

Preferred Experience:

• Five or more years of manufacturing experience at various levels
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment, plastic extrusion, and molding a plus
• Proven track record of driving continuous improvement with manufacturing teams
• Polymer processing equipment and tooling (extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding)
• Experience with capital planning, project development, and project execution
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Software

Other Requirements:

• 25% travel would be typical for this role
• Ability to travel as needed to support plant requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work within the various climate conditions

Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

 Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.