Process Control Specialist

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.​

About Westlake Pipe and Fittings

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

SO WHY WESTLAKE PIPE & FITTINGS?

We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive culture that empowers and encourages our associates to succeed through individual achievement and teamwork.  A career at Westlake Pipe & Fittings, is enriched with an innovative spirit, high work ethic, and rewarding experiences.  We foster a culture that supports professional development, personal growth, and opportunities for advancement. 

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS

• Benefits Effective Day 1
• Med, Den, Vision, 401k (4% match), Annual Retirement Contribution (2%), Life & AD&D
• Paid Vacation
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Opportunity for Advancement

SUMMARY

The Process Control Specialist will work with a team of Process Technicians to establish, document, implement, and maintain sustainable injection molding processes for the company’s injection molding department.  Provide ongoing technical direction and recommendations for new equipment aimed at improving production efficiencies.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establish, document, implement, and maintain sustainable injection molding processes thru structured studies and the application of Scientific Molding principles.
• Assist in training employees as needed.
• Design, develop and install end of arm tooling for injection molding machine robots.
• Program and operate machine robots for runner and sprue removal and placement.
• Optimizing injection molding processes utilizing scientific molding principles as applied to PVC and CPVC plastic.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing for capability issues, technical improvements, and daily processing activities.
• Conduct sampling activities for new or revised tooling.
• Identify opportunities for cost avoidance and take appropriate actions.
• Troubleshooting issues related to injection molding processing or tooling.
• Participate in or lead continuous improvement activities involving process areas. (Ex. cycle times, scrap, downtime, machine, tools and energy)
• Conduct process parameter audits on a regular basis.
• Review findings from process parameter audits.  Identify trends and common occurrences and evaluate for appropriate actions.
• Generate and distribute process parameter audit reports.
• Mentor Injection Mold Technicians on the latest problem solving, set-up and processing techniques.
• Provide input related to injection molding processes for the training and development of Injection Mold Technicians.
• Analyze process failures and determine root cause. Identify and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Investigate and provide recommendations for equipment to automate or improve manufacturing processes.
• Work with engineering on new project start-ups to facilitate the transition into production.
• Any other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Plastics Engineering and 7+ years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master Molder 1 certification.
• Familiarity with injection molding machinery, and plastics processing (multiple technologies).
• Comprehensive knowledge of plasti