Technical Engineering Manager PET Thermoforming & Sheet ExtrusionLocation: Fergus, OntarioReporting To: Chief Executive OfficerCompany OverviewKrystalite GT Inc. is a Canadian-owned and operated manufacturer specializing in sustainable packaging solutions including PET cups and lids (brands: Revive, Refresh) and rPET sheet rolls (Reborn). Serving food & beverage and industrial packaging markets, we are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.Role Purpose: The Technical Engineering Manager is a senior plant leadership role responsible for the overall technical, engineering, and operational performance of the Fergus manufacturing facility.This position provides strategic and hands-on leadership for PET sheet extrusion and thermoforming operations, engineering systems, preventive maintenance programs, OEE improvement initiatives, safety compliance, capital planning, and continuous improvement to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality packaging products.Key Responsibilities: 1. Plant Operations & Technical LeadershipProvide full operational oversight of PET sheet extrusion, thermoforming, cups/lids production, finishing, and packaging operations.Lead all technical aspects of material handling systems, extrusion process parameters, sheet quality control, and thermoforming optimization.Ensure production targets (volume, yield, uptime, cost per unit) are achieved while maintaining food-grade quality standards.Develop, implement, and continuously improve SOPs for extrusion and downstream operations.2. OEE & Performance ManagementDevelop, monitor, and continuously improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE Availability, Performance, Quality).Establish plant-level KPIs aligned with corporate performance objectives.Conduct structured root cause analysis (RCA) for downtime, scrap, and process inefficiencies.Drive productivity and efficiency improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar methodologies.Lead scrap reduction, yield improvement, labor productivity enhancement, and energy optimization programs.3. Maintenance & Engineering SystemsOversee a comprehensive Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (PM) program.Ensure strict adherence to PM schedules to reduce unplanned downtime.Lead maintenance budgeting, spare parts planning, and asset lifecycle management.Oversee machine guarding, lockout/tagout compliance, and equipment safety audits.Lead evaluation and execution of capital expenditure projects, equipment upgrades, and process automation initiatives.4. Quality & SustainabilityEnsure finished goods consistently meet internal and customer specifications for dimensions, strength, clarity, and multi-color printing (18 color capability).Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain on new product introductions and process optimization.Lead sustainability initiatives focused on:Waste reductionScrap controlEnergy efficiencyResponsible material utilization5. Health, Safety & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure full compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and all applicable Canadian regulations.Maintain high safety standards including machine guarding, LOTO compliance, and internal safety audits.Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.Foster a strong culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline across all shifts.6. Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead and develop engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and logistics teams.Build strong technical capability within the plant through structured training and mentorship.Drive performance management, workforce engagement, and succession planning.Act as a key member of the senior leadership team contributing to long-term strategic planning.7. Financial & Strategic AccountabilityMonitor actual vs. budget performance and implement corrective actions.Drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and service levels.Provide structured performance reporting to executive leadership.Execute additional operational, technical, and strategic initiatives as assigned to support overall plant performance and business objectives.Key QualificationsEssential12+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in plastics manufacturing (Canada/USA).Proven track record of improving OEE in high-volume manufacturing environments.Strong technical expertise in extrusion and thermoforming process optimization.Experience leading engineering and maintenance teams.Strong financial acumen including budgeting, capital planning, and cost control.Deep understanding of Ontario industrial safety regulations (OHSA).Bachelors degree in mechanical, Electrical, Polymer, Industrial, or related Engineering field.PreferredExperience in food-grade or consumer packaging manufacturing.Experience with recycled PET (rPET) sheet operations.Lean / Six Sigma certification.Masters degree in Engineering or Operations Management.Bilingual (English + French) is an asset.Working ConditionsFull-time, on-site leadership role at the Fergus, Ontario facility.Occasional travel to suppliers or customer sites as required.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive senior-level base salary (commensurate with experience)Performance bonus tied to plant KPIs and OEE improvementsComprehensive benefits packagePaid time offJob Types: Full-time, PermanentWork Location: In person
Job Title
Technical Engineering Manager