Insulation Extrusion Process Engineer
ZipRecruiter - Huntington Beach, California, us, 92615
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Overview
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Overview
Position Overview
Summary: The Wire and Cable Insulation Extrusion Process Engineer is responsible for the insulation / extrusion process in wire and cable manufacturing, ensuring safety, optimal production efficiency, product quality, and process improvement. This role involves troubleshooting extrusion issues, optimizing machine performance, and implementing best practices to meet industry standards and customer specifications. The role is responsible for achieving monthly goals including throughput targets. The role supports design production machinery, identifies and recommends solutions related to production problems, materials, processes, and tooling. Additionally, the role is responsible for supporting the work required in implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role involves working with production teams, analyzing workflows, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The expectations are that you will make valuable contributions to engineering projects, value stream mapping, actively participate in project tasks, assist in design, development, testing, and implementation processes, and investigate technologies, and methods to enhance existing processes or develop new ones, while contributing effectively to project outcomes, meeting deadlines, and achieving project goals. The objective is to enhance your ability to identify and address engineering challenges, while implementing continuous improvement and driving toward operational excellence.
Essential Function
Promote a zero-injury culture by conducting risk assessments, implementing safety protocols, maintaining clean work areas, and continuously improving safety in manufacturing processes.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry-specific regulations (OSHA, ISO, UL, IEC, ASTM) in all operations and product development.
Design and apply insulation materials through thermal/electrical analysis, document best practices, and troubleshoot failures to ensure optimal performance.
Collaborate with electrical engineers, project managers, and field technicians to implement insulation solutions.
Perform inspections and quality checks on insulation systems to verify reliability, thickness, concentricity, and mechanical properties.
Oversee and support setup, operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of extrusion and manufacturing equipment. Participate in design and commissioning of new facilities and recommend tooling or equipment upgrades.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, quality) and participate in meetings to communicate progress and support implementation.
Serve as a subject matter expert by providing training and technical support to production personnel.
Optimize material usage to reduce waste and improve cost efficiency and has good knowledge of wide range of materials ( XLPE/HDPE/LSZH...)
Calculate and design tools for new products and able to read the blue print.
Stay informed of advancements in insulation, extrusion technologies, and best practices in electrical transmission engineering.
Develop and document standard operating procedures.
Provide support with designs, tools and machines used to manufacture products.
Review production program equipment, hardware, and tooling, and make recommendations for repairs or replacement.
Analyze and provide progress reports of new processes, methods, and production controls.
Practice 5 Whys methodology to determine root cause of process issues/failures, defects and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.
Assist in obtaining necessary certifications or approvals.
Follow all company policies, complete required training, and support additional tasks as needed.
Other duties may be assigned as needed, such as supporting preventative maintenance tasks, spare parts, and tooling management.
Other Skills/Abilities
To be successful an Insulation / Extruder Engineer, candidate needs to possess a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills along with strong attention to detail and a continuous-improvement mindset. Key skills and abilities include:
Technical Knowledge: Engineers should have a solid foundation in the relevant engineering principles and concepts related to their field. They should be familiar with engineering tools, software, and technologies commonly used in their industry. The position requires the ability to read and interpret gauges and record measurements. Basic understanding of ISO-9000, and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software program.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Engineers should have strong analytical skills to analyze complex problems and propose effective solutions. They should be able to break down problems into smaller components, conduct research, gather data, and apply critical thinking to identify the root causes and develop innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Attention to Detail: Engineers must pay close attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in their work. They should be meticulous in following engineering standards, specifications, and documentation requirements. This position requires the ability to read and interpret safety rules, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), operating and maintenance instructions, and any relevant manuals.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for engineers to collaborate with team members, understand project requirements, and present their ideas or findings. They should be able to convey technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing. This position requires proficiency in the ability to speak and read English.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Engineers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams. They should be able to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to team goals. Being a good team player and demonstrating interpersonal skills is important in achieving project objectives.
Adaptability and Learning Agility: Engineers should be adaptable to new technologies, changing project requirements, and evolving industry practices. They should be willing to learn and acquire new skills quickly as the engineering field continues to advance.
Time Management and Organization: Engineers need to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and meet project deadlines. They should be able to work on multiple assignments simultaneously and maintain a well-organized workflow.
Professional Ethics: Engineers should demonstrate a strong sense of professional ethics, integrity, and responsibility. They should adhere to engineering standards, regulations, and safety protocols. Maintaining confidentiality and respecting intellectual property rights are also important aspects of professional conduct.
Continuous Learning: Engineers should have a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning. They should actively seek opportunities to enhance their technical skills, stay updated with industry trends, and pursue professional development activities.
Leadership Potential: While not always a requirement at the junior level, possessing leadership qualities and the ability to take initiative can contribute to career growth. Engineers who show potential in leading projects, taking ownership, and mentoring others may have increased opportunities for advancement.
Incentives
Benefits offered the first of the month following 30 days of employment, include: medical, dental, life insurance, long term , paid time off (sick and vacation), 10 company holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.
Referral Rewards program
Requirements / Training and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
Experience in insulation / extrusion engineering for wires and cables related to electrical transmission and distribution.
Strong knowledge of insulation materials, dielectric properties, and thermal management.
Familiarity with high-voltage transmission and distribution systems, wires, cables, conductors, and electrical safety standards.
Proficiency in engineering software for insulation analysis and design.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to calculate and design the tools for new products and able to read the blueprints.
Minimum two years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing company in the cable and wire industry or in a related field is highly desired.
Experience with CAD tools such as AutoCad or SolidWorks is a plus.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex data sets and identify trends.
Excellent problem-solving abilities with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and process optimization.
Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Ability to comprehend and follow directions.
Basic understanding of ISO-9000 quality management system principles.
Adept at multi-tasking: able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software programs.
Ability to meet attendance expectations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Willingness to work off hours or on off-shifts to meet promised timelines and deliverables.
Ability to maintain a professional, positive attitude.
Must be able to successfully pass e-Verify background check.
Work Environment
The Insulation / Extruder Engineer position works in a combination of work settings from office, lab to a safety sensitive manufacturing environment. The Insulation / Extruder Engineer will often work directly on the shop floor of the manufacturing facility, near and around large-scale production processes and equipment. The Insulation / Extruder Engineer may also work in Research and Development (R&D) and Quality Control Testing to design and develop new manufacturing processes, testing, and experiments to improve product design and production methods, and to ensure product quality and compliance with standards. The position will spend time in the engineering office performing tasks such as designing manufacturing systems, developing process flow diagrams, analyzing data, creating manufacturing instructions, and collaborating with others. Occasionally, the Insulation / Extruder Engineer will participate in on-site visits needed to visit suppliers, vendors, or customer sites to review quality issues, assess manufacturing capabilities, troubleshoot production issues, or assess material or tooling quality and performance. Occupational health and safety practices are essential in manufacturing environments, and the Insulation / Extruder Engineer is expected to adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment when necessary.