Process Engineer

Ambient Recruiting is partnered with a growing West Michigan manufacturer seeking a Process Engineer to join their team.

The Process Engineer will lead the injection molding function, driving process performance, quality, and operational efficiency across production. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for optimizing molding processes, reducing scrap, improving cycle times, mentoring technical staff, and supporting new product launches. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the injection molding function to achieve plant goals related to quality, productivity, scrap reduction, and cycle time improvements.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead, mentor, and develop Set Up Technicians and Process Technicians.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, identify root causes, and implement sustainable process improvements.
• Manage tooling budgets and coordinate preventative maintenance activities.
• Support auxiliary equipment selection, justification, and procurement.
• Maintain process control standards to ensure consistent and repeatable production.
• Coordinate mold tryouts, processing activities, and maintenance requirements.
• Provide technical training and partner with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Support production scheduling and procurement activities.
• Participate in all phases of new product launches to ensure successful implementation.
• Contribute to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Execute departmental goals aligned with plant and organizational objectives.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of plastics processing or related manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, plastic materials, and troubleshooting.
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Scientific molding experience.
• Experience with Moldflow or similar injection molding simulation software.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience with ERP/EAM systems such as QAD, SAP, or IQMS.
• Experience supporting new product launches and APQP processes.
• Knowledge of cost reduction initiatives, efficiency improvements, and ROI analysis.

Ambient Recruiting—an entirely employee-owned company—is the largest independent employer in West Michigan. Our mission is to match people with meaningful, long-lasting, and enjoyable careers, not just a job. Since 1988, we've helped match over 300,000 people just like you with top employers across West Michigan.