Process Engineer (Akron)

Job Title: Process Engineer

Location: Akron, OH

Industry: automotive manufacturing; plastic injection molding

Status: full time; direct hire; salaried

Shift: 2nd (3pm - 11am, Monday - Friday)

Pay: $90-$95k

Summary:

Experienced Plastic Injection Molding professional with expertise in developing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes for high-volume plastic component production. Skilled in injection molding process setup, troubleshooting, mold changeovers, tooling support, and process parameter optimization to ensure consistent part quality, reduce scrap, and improve production efficiency. Experienced in working with molding equipment, plastic materials, automation systems, and cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize plastic injection molding processes to improve productivity, quality, and process stability.
• Perform injection molding machine setups, mold changeovers, startup procedures, and parameter adjustments to achieve optimal part quality.
• Troubleshoot molding issues related to plastic materials, molds, tooling, machines, process parameters, and auxiliary equipment.
• Optimize molding parameters including temperatures, pressures, injection speeds, cooling settings, and cycle times.
• Support mold trials, new tool launches, process validations, and tooling improvements.
• Monitor and improve molding processes through analysis of scrap rates, cycle times, downtime, SPC data, and production trends.
• Perform root cause analysis on molding defects such as flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, burns, and dimensional variations.
• Support tooling improvements and identify mold-related issues impacting production performance and part quality.
• Set up and troubleshoot robotic systems, automation equipment, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).
• Collaborate with Tooling, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to maximize equipment uptime and improve manufacturing performance.
• Train Process Technicians and Operators on plastic injection molding processes, equipment operation, troubleshooting methods, and standard work.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, cycle time optimization, cost reduction, and process reliability.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and problem-solving activities.
• Provide technical support during production launches, process improvements, and daily manufacturing operations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in Plastic Injection Molding, Process Technician, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar manufacturing roles.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, machine setup, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Experience supporting plastic injection molds, mold changeovers, tooling adjustments, and process startups.
• Knowledge of plastic materials, molding defects, SPC, process monitoring, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ability to support production teams and provide technical guidance on the manufacturing floor.
• Experience working with automation, robotics, and secondary operations preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

**Must be authorized to work in the United States, client is not able to offer sponsorship at this time

**Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check to be eligible for hire

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.