Senior Process Engineer

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

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Summary

As a Senior Process Engineer , you will play a dual role, supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations while spearheading long-term continuous improvement initiatives. Your immediate focus will be troubleshooting and optimizing extrusion processes with an emphasis on improving process equipment reliability and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). By addressing these key areas, you will drive significant gains in operational efficiency and equipment performance.

In this role, you will lead strategic process enhancements that align with James Hardie's manufacturing goals, ensuring both short-term operational success and long-term innovation. Your expertise will be critical in identifying and resolving inefficiencies in extrusion processes, reducing downtime, and maximizing equipment utilization. With a proactive approach to sustainable improvement, you will combine technical problem-solving with process optimization, contributing to James Hardie's commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement in line with the company's Core Values.

What You’ll Do:

Direct Manufacturing Support:

• Provide hands-on technical support for extrusion processes, resolving issues related to process flow, equipment functionality, material inconsistencies, and quality deviations.
• Investigate and address daily operational challenges, including equipment failures, quality non-conformance, safety concerns, using root cause analysis and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Manufacturing teams to ensure equipment uptime.
• Troubleshoot and validate new or idled equipment during commissioning, repair, upgrade, or replacement to ensure safe, efficient integration into production and alignment with operational goals.

Long-Term Strategic Continuous Improvement:

• Lead cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement process improvements that increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance safety and quality.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols for equipment to ensure long-term consistency and efficiency.
• Recommend capital investment projects, factoring in long-term risk, cost, and operational benefits, while managing capital spending for upgraded and replacement equipment.
• Lead initiatives integrating automation and digital tools to optimize processes and drive sustainable performance improvements.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to implement innovative solutions that support long-term operational goals.
• Collaborate with external vendors and stay informed about emerging technologies for future process enhancements.

Quality Control & Compliance:

• Implement and refine quality control measures to ensure the consistency and integrity of extruded products.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, industry standards, and environmental guidelines in both immediate and long-term operations.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Communicate project milestones, process improvements, and technical recommendations to stakeholders through detailed reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Maintenance, Quality, and Production, to align short-term operational needs with long-term strategic goals.

What You’ll Bring:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, or related field).
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, with hands-on experience in process engineering, material handling, and mixing-related equipment.
• Proficiency in process optimization tools, data analysis, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP, or similar).
• Skilled in the use of SolidWorks for design and design modification purposes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to resolve immediate production issues while contributing to long-term improvement initiatives.
• Experience working on continuous improvement projects, preferably using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $100,000 to $130,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

 

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

 

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This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group, LLC, a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies, where you’ll contribute to a culture driven by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. 

 

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law. 
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.