Job Title: Extrusion Engineer
Job Description
This role offers an opportunity for a driven Extrusion Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of precision extrusion processes for TPE and TPU products. You will play a key role in streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and advancing extrusion technology while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement extrusion processes, including inline controls and quality checks, to ensure consistent production of high-quality TPE and TPU products.
Optimize tooling design, assembly, and maintenance, and define effective outsourcing and insourcing strategies for tooling and related components.
Collaborate with production, R&D, and external vendors to achieve tight tolerances and meet customer specifications for precision extrusion applications.
Diagnose extrusion process issues, apply structured problem-solving methods, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and defects.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive process documentation to support traceability, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Support cross-functional teams in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Health & Safety to uphold and improve Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS) standards.
Lead PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), process capability (PCP) analyses, and design of experiments (DOE) to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Train production staff on extrusion best practices, standard operating procedures, and process controls, providing ongoing technical guidance to ensure consistent quality.
Assist with planning and coordination of equipment maintenance to keep extrusion lines running at peak performance and to extend equipment life.
Champion scrap-reduction efforts, cost-saving initiatives, and productivity enhancements across extrusion operations.
Contribute to process improvement projects within manufacturing, focusing on efficiency, quality, and safety.
Use data analysis and basic statistical tools to monitor process performance and support decision-making.
Essential Skills
At least 3 years of hands-on experience with precision extrusion, including setting up and running TPE and TPU extrusion lines.
3+ years of polymer wire or cable experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of extrusion equipment design, process instrumentation, and related manufacturing processes.
Experience in manufacturing with a focus on process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
Proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and the Microsoft Office suite.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex process issues.
Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams while balancing shifting priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation.
Basic statistical knowledge and the ability to apply statistical thinking to process capability and quality analysis.
Keen eye for inspection, attention to detail, and manual dexterity for detailed technical work related to extrusion and tooling.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on continuous improvement and lean principles.
Familiarity with PFMEA, process capability (PCP) analysis, and design of experiments (DOE).
Exposure to Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
Experience in electrical or mechanical aspects of manufacturing processes, particularly in wire or cable production.
Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing setting with evolving customer and production requirements.
Work Environment
The role is based in a manufacturing plant environment focused on precision extrusion of TPE and TPU products, including polymer wire and cable applications. You will work closely with production lines, extrusion equipment, tooling, and process instrumentation, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Health & Safety, and external vendors. The plant setting emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, supported by a tenured team known for strong culture and long-term retention. The organization offers comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans such as a 401(k), reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and stability.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of La Vergne, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $97000.00 - $120000.00/yr.
Our 143,000 ft2 vertically integrated LaVergne, Tennessee facility opened in 2008. This plant is a Global Center of Excellence for control panels for our industrial heaters and systems segment, heat tracing cable and control panels, and flexible Kapton® heaters. Chromalox, a Spirax Sarco Engineering company, is a thermal technology company. We engineer thermal solutions for the world's toughest industrial heating applications. Our Heat Trace division delivers temperature management solutions for piping systems, valves, and tanks. Our Industrial Heaters and Systems division delivers process heating solutions for revenue-generating industrial processes, and our Component Technologies division delivers component heating solutions for industrial equipment manufacturers. Chromalox was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, USA Products Manufactured Standard Controls Panels / Power Controls Heat Trace Cable Cartridge Heaters Silicone Laminate Heater
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in La Vergne,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
