Extrusion Process Engineer

Extrustion Process Engineer - SIVA Group

Location: Woolston

Function: Extrusion and Operations

Reporting to: Operations Management

Work setting: Site-based

About the role

We are looking for a hands-on Extrusion Process Engineer to support the day-to-day technical and operational performance of extrusion at our Woolston site. You will help ensure production runs safely, efficiently and to specification, with the right materials, equipment and people in place to meet the production plan.

This is a broad, visible role combining process optimisation, troubleshooting, trials, materials planning, quality support and engineering coordination. You will work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality and Technical colleagues while providing practical guidance to Team Leaders and operators.

Key responsibilities

Production and process management

· Monitor daily extrusion production across all lines to ensure products meet approved specifications, process parameters and quality requirements.

· Carry out routine line checks, identify process deviations and coordinate prompt corrective action.

· Review upcoming jobs for runability, considering machine capability, materials, labour and other production constraints.

· Optimise process stability, machine utilisation, output, waste, cost and overall production efficiency.

· Plan, oversee and validate extrusion trials, ensuring outcomes are documented and successfully implemented.

· Lead technical problem-solving for extrusion issues and help eliminate recurring problems through corrective and preventive actions.

Planning and materials

· Ensure raw materials are available and organised for the production plan, taking account of deliveries, stock and silo levels.

· Review and validate extrusion bills of materials, dosing levels and production requirements.

· Analyse material requirements and stock levels to maintain supply while limiting excess inventory.

· Coordinate recycling feed runs and monitor NGR production, scrap availability and recycling activity.

· Work with Planning to align production requirements with available materials, machinery and manpower.

Quality and compliance

· Provide second-level verification of production and quality checks and support compliance with product specifications.

· Review customer and product specifications and assess their suitability for production.

· Investigate extrusion-related quality issues and customer complaints with Quality and Technical teams, using production evidence to establish root causes.

· Ensure changes to materials, processes, specifications and BOMs are reviewed and validated before implementation.

· Maintain accurate production and process records for traceability and analysis.

Engineering and operational support

· Coordinate with Engineering so maintenance, interventions and improvement work support production requirements and schedules.

· Provide technical input into machine modifications, process improvements and equipment-related issues.

· Liaise with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to source parts, services and technical support.

· Support Team Leaders and operators with technical guidance, staffing constraints and unexpected production, material or equipment issues.

· Provide support for extrusion-related issues outside normal working hours when required.

What we are looking for

Essential experience and skills

· Strong practical experience in plastics extrusion within a manufacturing environment.

· A sound understanding of extrusion processes, machine capability, process parameters, materials and dosing.

· Proven ability to troubleshoot production and quality issues and deliver lasting corrective action.

· Experience planning production requirements and managing raw-material availability, stock or usage.

· Experience working with product specifications, BOMs and controlled process changes.

· A practical, data-informed approach to improving output, waste, downtime and process stability.

· Clear communication and the confidence to support operators, Team Leaders and cross-functional colleagues.

· Strong organisation and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities in a live production environment.

Desirable

· Experience planning and delivering extrusion trials or equipment improvement projects.

· Knowledge of recycling processes, NGR systems and recycled-material usage.

· Experience investigating customer complaints or supporting structured root-cause analysis.

· Confidence using production databases, reporting tools and Microsoft Excel.

· A relevant engineering, polymer, manufacturing or technical qualification.

What success looks like

· Safe, stable production that consistently meets product and quality requirements.

· Improved machine utilisation, output and process efficiency, with lower waste and fewer recurring issues.

· Reliable material availability, accurate BOMs and well-controlled dosing requirements.

· Trials, corrective actions and improvement projects that deliver measurable operational benefits.

· Strong technical support for the extrusion team and effective coordination across functions.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a technically important manufacturing operation and make a direct impact on safety, quality, output and efficiency. You will have the scope to shape extrusion performance, improve processes and equipment capability, and work with colleagues across the business to deliver sustainable improvements.

If you are an experienced extrusion professional who combines technical depth with practical, hands-on problem-solving, we would like to hear from you.