Injection Molding Process Engineer

RiseMe; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Mentorship opportunities

Wellness activities

Education reimbursement

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Applied Medical is seeking an Injection Molding Process Engineer to maintain and improve the injection molding processes for plastic medical device components, from mold qualification through full scale production.

The role combines hands-on operation, scientific molding, and DOE to ensure robust processing windows. You will collaborate with tooling, engineering, and production teams, lead validations, and drive yield, scrap reduction, and cost improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two+ years in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Hands-on operation of injection molding machines, including robot setup.
• Troubleshooting molding issues across material, machine, mold, and auxiliaries.
• Knowledge of gate, runner design, parting lines, ejectors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy and quality.
• Document protocols, reports, and SOPs clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize injection molding processes for thermoplastic and polymer components.
• Operate molding machines from start-up to shutdown, including EOAT programming.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolve processing challenges.
• Lead process validation activities (IQ, OQ, PQ) and support new product introductions.
• Collaborate with tooling engineers to optimize mold performance and tooling reviews.
• Monitor process capability and drive yield, scrap reduction, and downtime improvements.
• Develop and maintain process specs, recipes, SOPs, and engineering reports.
• Mentor technicians and engineers across cross-functional teams.

Skills

Injection molding

DOE

Minitab

Root cause analysis

Process validation

SOP writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Moldflow

Minitab

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earneda strong reputationfor excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

Position Description

Applied Medical is seeking an Injection Molding Process Engineer, also known as a manufacturing process engineer or plastics process engineer, to maintain the injection molding process behind our plastic and polymer based medical device components, from mold qualification through full scale production. This role combines hands on machine operation, scientific molding methodology, and design of experiments (DOE) to build processes that hold up under production volume. The Injection Molding Process Engineer runs point on troubleshooting, validation, and continuous improvement, and works directly with tooling, engineering, and production teams to keep every mold performing at its best.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops, optimizes, and sustains injection molding processes for thermoplastic and polymer based medical device components, establishing robust processing windows through scientific molding principles, the six step study method, and design of experiments (DOE).
• Operates injection molding machines hands on, from start up through shutdown, including robot setup, mold setup, and end of arm tooling (EOAT) programming.
• Leads root cause investigations of molding related defects and partners with technicians and production teams to resolve processing challenges.
• Leads process validation activities, including installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) protocols, and supports new product introductions and equipment installations.
• Collaborates with tooling engineers and mold makers to optimize mold performance and participates in mold design reviews and tool improvement projects.
• Monitors process capability using statistical methods and leads projects focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, downtime reduction, and cost optimization.
• Develops and maintains process specifications, molding recipes, work instructions, validation protocols, and engineering reports.
• Mentors technicians and junior engineers and collaborates across cross functional teams.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Delivers robust, repeatable injection molding processes that meet quality and production targets.
• Resolves molding defects quickly through structured root cause analysis.
• Leads validations and new product introductions from planning through completion.
• Builds strong partnerships with tooling engineers, technicians, and cross functional teams.
• Drives measurable improvements in yield, scrap reduction, and downtime.
• Strengthens team capability through mentorship of technicians and junior engineers.

Position Requirements

This Position Requires the Following Skills and Attributes

• Holds a bachelor's degree in plastics engineering, polymer engineering, or a related technical discipline, or brings an equivalent combination of education and industry experience.
• Brings two or more years of experience supporting injection molding or plastics manufacturing processes.
• Operates injection molding machines hands on, from start up through shutdown, including robot setup and mold setup.
• Troubleshoots molding related quality and production issues involving material, machine, mold, and auxiliary equipment.
• Applies knowledge of mold concepts, including gate and runner design, parting lines, die draw, draft angle, and ejectors.
• Leads projects and manages multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Documents processes clearly, writing protocols, reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conducts root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing quality issues.

Preferred

The Following Skills and Attributes Are Preferred

• Brings medical device manufacturing experience.
• Holds a scientific molding certification, such as RJG Master Molder I or II, or brings equivalent process development experience.
• Applies design of experiments (DOE) and process characterization methods.
• Uses Minitab or other statistical analysis software for process capability studies.
• Brings experience with liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or silicone molding.
• Brings tooling, mold design, mold qualification, or mold maintenance experience.
• Applies knowledge of Moldflow or other molding simulation software.
• Holds a Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Brings SAP, PLM, or ERP system experience.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation range: $71000 - $100000 / year (California).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• On-campus wellness activities.
• Education reimbursement program.
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to team member growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.