Production/Process Engineer - Plastics

Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)
Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 base salary
Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent

A rapidly growing U.S. manufacturer focused on sustainable plastics, recycling, pelletizing, and advanced injection molding is seeking a Production/Process Engineer to support operations at a state‑of‑the‑art facility. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience working with plastics processing, polymer materials, injection molding, or recycling technologies - and thrives in a fast‑paced, innovation‑driven environment.

This position plays a key role in improving production efficiency, supporting automation initiatives, optimizing process parameters, and ensuring consistent quality across recycled compounds, pellets, and molded products.

• Monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot plastics production processes, including pelletizing, compounding, and injection molding.
• Analyze material characteristics and provide recommendations to improve throughput, cycle times, and product consistency.
• Support implementation of automation and advanced manufacturing technologies for plastics processing.
• Develop process parameters, documentation, SOPs, and quality control procedures.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and R&D teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Assist with scaling new products from development to full‑scale production.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Track production data, identify trends, and recommend improvements in efficiency and waste reduction.
  
  

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 1-3 years of experience in plastics processing, such as:
  • Injection molding
  • Plastics recycling
  • Pelleting/compounding
  • Polymer or extrusion processes
• Strong understanding of material behavior, thermoplastics, and process optimization.
• Experience working in manufacturing or production environments.
• Solid analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  
  

• Experience with automated production lines or robotics.
• Exposure to sustainability-focused or recycled plastics applications.
• Familiarity with quality control systems (SPC, ISO, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Ability to work with cross‑functional teams in a growing manufacturing setting.
  
  

• Opportunity to work with cutting‑edge, U.S.-based plastics manufacturing technology.
• A growing company with significant investment in automation, sustainability, and innovation.
• Career advancement as the organization continues rapid expansion across North America.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and long‑term growth potential.
  

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.

To find out more about Progressive please visit www.progressiverecruitment.com