PVCO Manufacturing Engineer

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a division of Westlake Corporation (NYSE: WLK), is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of PVC pipe and fittings. With 23 manufacturing and distribution facilities, we provide innovative piping solutions for municipal, plumbing, irrigation, and specialty applications, including our industry-leading Certa-Lok® restrained joint systems.

We offer a collaborative culture focused on safety, innovation, and career growth.

• Benefits Effective Day One
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match
• Annual Retirement Contribution (ARC)
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities

The Manufacturing (Process) Engineer – PVCO in our Wichita, TX plant plays a critical role in advancing PVCO manufacturing excellence. This position is responsible for optimizing processes, strengthening product quality, supporting operational performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to ensure safe, stable, and efficient PVCO production while enhancing technical capability across the organization.

• Develop and apply advanced knowledge of PVCO manufacturing, including extrusion, orientation, cooling, belling, testing, and packaging systems
• Monitor and optimize manufacturing processes to improve quality, yield, efficiency, and reliability
• Identify and implement process improvements, waste reduction strategies, and cost-saving initiatives
• Support equipment setup, validation, calibration, and troubleshooting
• Lead root cause analyses (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Create and maintain clear work instructions, process documentation, and troubleshooting guides
• Support and deliver technical training for operators, technicians, and supervisors
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale new materials, tooling, and process innovations
• Support capital projects including equipment upgrades, capacity expansion, and technology improvements
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials/Polymer, Industrial, or related discipline)
• 3–7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience
• Experience in plastics extrusion, pipe manufacturing, or polymer processing preferred
• Strong understanding of process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC)
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to develop clear technical documentation and operator-focused work instructions
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency with CAD and manufacturing data analysis tools
• Familiarity with automation systems, PLC interfaces, and process controls preferred
• Experience supporting or leading capital projects is a plus
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed (initial training in Canada)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.

This role operates across office and manufacturing plant environments. Plant areas may involve elevated noise levels and require appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear, and other required safety equipment.

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.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.