Process Engineer

What would you say to a career that helps keep the world working? One where you take an active role in an industry that literally makes daily life possible for people and businesses alike? Where the rewards and opportunities for growth are as great as your ambition? Then Lake Cable is looking for you.
For more than a quarter century, Lake Cable has been a leading manufacturer of low voltage, industrial power, utility, custom OEM and broadcast-quality cables, all 100% produced in the United States. Thanks to a shared passion and commitment to our customers, we deliver the finest quality products, engineered to exacting specifications. BETTER. SMARTER. FASTER.
Headquartered in Bensenville, IL with over 450 employees and five facilities in the Midwest, Lake Cable is a privately-owned family business. That spirit of family inspires a culture where the success of every team member is a top priority, with competitive benefits and paths to advancement. Our richly diverse team is also committed to sustainability, community involvement, and ethical business practices. Because we believe it's the only way to do business.
If you're ready for a leap forward, we should talk. Lake Cable. When Delivery Matters...
Position Summary:
Maintain and improve product-processing. Troubleshoot issues with both equipment and materials, and research and implement new tools and techniques to increase production efficiency, and establish protocols for obtaining proper product quality in a safe and timely manner.
Essential Functions:

• Troubleshoot issues with equipment and materials
• Supervise all extrusion processes involving fluoropolymers
• Survey and document processing parameters for currently-running work orders
• Routinely assess, recommend and order tooling for compound-extrusion setups
• Update product router notes with correct tooling, heat profiles, and other relevant technical parameters to be used
• Maintain a processing database describing parameters utilized for all compounds supported by an organized directory of process notes
• Maintain and troubleshoot all "Sikora" measurement devices on the production lines
• Purchase equipment for production lines involving engineering projects
• Direct and sustain all activities involving a 5S system (production-efficiency program) on a production line
• Work with fellow engineers on various R&D projects - discuss ideas, produce experiment formats and test reports, and conducti said tests in person and/or through direct supervision of various stages of operation
• Observe current production methods and research/brainstorm improvements and new techniques
• Keep up-to-date with processing techniques through reading relevant literature, attending various extrusion seminars and plant visits

Knowledge:

• Trained to apply mass and energy transfer equations to determine various outputs and engineering requirements
• Versed in polymer melt rheology and the parameters that influence it i.e., temperature and mechanical shear
• Sound knowledge of processing equipment, and process control principles and the ability to assist operators in applying them
• Good understanding of draw down ratios and other similar tooling techniques used to combat melt fracture of product surface
• Background in mechanical, chemical and electrical sciences and the ability to apply and refine this knowledge to extrusion and cable construction principles

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, multi-task and resolve problems
• Analytical skills with the ability to use logic in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems, and assist operators in analyzing problems and coming to valid conclusions
• Strong interpersonal, listening and communication skills, both verbal and written in English and Spanish
• Efficient time management, organizational skills and attention to detail with consistent accuracy
• Ability to promptly respond to process malfunctions and proactively mitigate their reoccurrence
• Ability to think creatively, practically and effectively present ideas
• Driven to take independent initiative and ownership of projects, while maintaining a strong level of cooperation with co-workers
• Ability to perform high-level mathematical calculations and perform basic arithmetic and estimates quickly in one's head
• Proficient using Microsoft Office applications - Outlook, Word, Excel and very proficient using engineering packages, and CAD software

Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical or other relevant engineering discipline
• Minimum of one year of previous work experience in a manufacturing environment, preferred
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Work Environment:
While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee operates within both an office and plant environment. This position will require the Process Engineer to be in the plant environment 70-80% of their time to perform various projects and tasks. The Process Engineer will routinely use standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, printer, and files paperwork. While in the plant, the Process Engineer is exposed to vibrations, loud continuous noise from operating machinery, and oils/grease from machinery.
Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401(k) match
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance (company paid)
• Voluntary Life/AD&D
• Voluntary Life/AD&D (child)
• Short-term disability (company paid)
• Long-term disability (company paid)
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral program
• Production bonus
• Competitive pay