Process Engineer

Description

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!

Scope of Responsibility

As a Process Engineer, you'll be at the heart of our manufacturing operation-leading the injection molding function and driving the performance that keeps our plant running at its best. You'll own the results that matter most: delivering high-quality parts on time, hitting production targets, and pushing cycle times and scrap performance in the right direction.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on solving problems, improving processes, and leading from the front. You'll guide and develop technicians, keep processes optimized and running smoothly, and use data to continuously raise the bar on performance (think OEE, efficiency, and lean improvements).

You'll also play a key role in launching new products, working cross-functionally to make sure every new mold hits the floor ready for success from day one.

If you enjoy being hands-on, making a real impact on production results, and building a strong, high-performing team, this is your opportunity to lead, improve, and make your mark.

Location: Ron Jimmerson Plant at 5050 33rd St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49512

Shift: 1st shift


Target Pay: The target starting base salary for this position is $70,470 - $104,649.00 / year (plus quarterly bonus incentive). Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the injection molding function for current production by guiding team to achieve all plant goals and objectives including:
  • Producing quality parts that meet all established criteria, on time, in the correct quantity and at optimal cycle times while beating scrap targets
  • Continuously improving cycle times (OEE Performance) and reducing scrap (OEE Scrap)
  • Owning and driving key performance metrics within the plant (mission room), in alignment with plant leadership
• Lead, supervise, and develop Set Up Technicians and C-Tech employees to build technical capability and ensure consistent execution of molding standards
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing process performance, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and cost
• Manage tooling budget and coordinate tooling preventative maintenance through EAM systems
• Monitors auxiliary equipment needs and assist with quoting and procurement support quoting, justification, and procurement activities
• Administer and maintain process control systems and procedures standards, and procedures to ensure repeatable and stable production
• Submit work orders for maintenance and tooling requirements
• Coordinate and support mold tryouts and processing activities
• Provide and coordinate technical training to continuously develop team capability and improve process performance. Partner closely with the Technical Training Coordinator to support these efforts
• Partner closely with Supply Chain Management (scheduling)
• Write requisitions and support procurement processes
• Actively participate in all phases of new product launches to ensure molding processes meet quality, cycle time, and scrap targets for flawless launch
• Participate as a CES (Lean/CI) core team member and contribute to continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives
• Attend leadership forums and complete required leadership training
• Conduct product launch activities
• Execute plant-level operational strategies and lead the development and execution of annual departmental goals and initiatives aligned with organizational objectives
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives

Culture Bearer

• Understands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
• Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrity
• Values people regardless of their background
• Exhibits the traits of a servant leader
• Exhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional Intelligence
• Encourages open dialogue and communication
• Develops high trust relationships within all levels of the organization
• Pursues Excellence

At Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community. If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success.

Requirements

• Associates degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in plastics processing or related field
• Strong understanding of plastic materials and behavior under molding conditions
• Demonstrated leadership and core competencies
• Experience in die setting and processing, with the ability to lead, mentor and develop die setters and other processors
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication, teamwork and leadership abilities
• Strong analytical, math and writing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft 365
• Ability to work independently while achieving organization goals and objectives

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Experience with scientific molding
• Familiarity with injection molding simulation software (e.g., Moldflow)
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Experience with ERP/EAM systems (e.g., QAD, SAP, IQMS, or similar)
• Exposure to cost reduction initiatives and financial analysis (scrap, efficiency, ROI)
• Experience supporting new product launches or APQP processes

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
• Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
• 401K with match - Starting on Day 1
• Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Quarterly Bonus Program
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)
• Onsite Medical Clinic

Perks

• Weekly Pay
• Childcare Assistance (Tri-Share)
• Flexible Hours & Scheduling
• Attendance Recognition Program
• Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
• Employee Discount Programs
• Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Uniforms / T-shirts
• Employee Resource Groups
• Smoking Cessation Products and Programs