Plastics Extrusion Manager

Job Details:

Plastics Extrusion Manager — Liquid Leak Detection Systems

Position Summary

The Plastics Extrusion Manager leads the manufacturing, process optimization, and quality control of polymer-based sensing cables and extruded components used in liquid leak detection systems. This role oversees extrusion operations for conductive and non-conductive polymer materials, ensuring product performance, chemical resistance, and manufacturing efficiency.

The position supports production of leak detection sense cables, sensor housings, and protective jackets used in industrial monitoring systems designed to detect water, oil, acids, and other liquids in critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Manage daily operations of plastics extrusion lines producing sensing cables and polymer components.
• Oversee extrusion of specialty materials including:
• conductive polymers
• polyethylene / PVC / fluoropolymers
• chemical-resistant compounds
• multi-layer cable jackets
• Monitor throughput, scrap rates, and OEE to meet production targets.
• Coordinate scheduling, staffing, and maintenance of extrusion equipment.

Process Engineering & Optimization

• Develop and optimize extrusion parameters (temperature, pressure, screw speed, die design).
• Improve material consistency, dimensional stability, and surface quality.
• Support development of multi-layer extrusion processes for:
• conductive sensing elements
• protective polymer coatings
• chemical-resistant insulation
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma).

Product Quality & Compliance

• Ensure extruded components meet strict detection and durability requirements.
• Implement quality standards related to:
• electrical conductivity characteristics
• chemical resistance
• mechanical strength and flexibility
• environmental performance
• Support validation testing for sensing cable performance.
• Maintain ISO quality and safety compliance.

(Leak detection cables must reliably detect fluids and withstand harsh environments, requiring durable and chemically resistant polymer construction.)

Materials & Technology Development

• Partner with R&D on development of new sensing cable materials.
• Evaluate polymer formulations for:
• chemical compatibility (acids, hydrocarbons, water)
• durability and abrasion resistance
• signal transmission properties
• Work with suppliers on compound specifications.

(Leak detection systems use different cable types to detect water, hydrocarbons, and chemicals.)

Team Leadership

• Lead extrusion technicians and production staff.
• Train teams on process control, safety, and quality procedures.
• Develop performance metrics and improvement plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with engineering, electronics assembly, and test teams.
• Support integration of extruded components into monitoring systems and sensors.
• Assist in scaling new products from prototype to production.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10+ years experience in plastics extrusion manufacturing.
• Experience with cable extrusion, tubing, or multi-layer polymer processing preferred.
• Knowledge of conductive polymers, specialty resins, or chemical-resistant materials.
• Strong understanding of SPC, Lean manufacturing, and process control.

Preferred Experience

• Industrial sensor or cable manufacturing.
• Chemical-resistant materials or specialty compounds.
• Electrical or instrumentation manufacturing environment.
• Automated manufacturing systems and PLC-controlled equipment.

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing facility.
• High-precision extrusion and polymer processing operations.
• Regulated quality and safety environment.

Why this role exists in leak detection companies

Companies that make leak detection systems manufacture:

• polymer sensing cables that detect liquids
• chemical-resistant cable jackets
• conductive materials for detection signals
• industrial sensor housings

These products use durable polymer cores and coatings designed to detect fluids and withstand harsh environments.

To apply, send your resume to [email protected]

Patrick DelGaone
[email protected]