Injection Molding Process Engineer (California, USA)

Applied Medical Corporation; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Education reimbursement

401(k) match

Paid time off

Wellness activities

Job summary

Applied Medical seeks an Injection Molding Process Engineer in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to maintain and optimize plastic molding processes for medical device components. You will run molding machines, implement DOE, and drive process validation and improvements with cross-functional teams.

You will mentor technicians and engineers, document SOPs, and contribute to yield, scrap reduction, and cost optimization while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Read, write and communicate in English.
• Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering, polymer engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 2+ years in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting molding equipment and robots.
• Knowledge of mold concepts and DOE basics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain injection molding processes for thermoplastic components.
• Operate molding machines hands-on from start-up to shutdown, including robot setup.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolve processing challenges.
• Lead process validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) and support new product introductions.
• Collaborate with tooling engineers and mold makers on mold performance.
• Monitor process capability and drive yield improvement and cost optimization.
• Write and maintain process specifications, recipes, instructions, and SOPs.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers across cross-functional teams.

Skills

English fluency

Project leadership

Root cause analysis

Written protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering

Tools

Injection molding equipment

Robot programming

IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols

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.

This opportunity is located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA.

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

• Read, write and communicate in English.
• 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.

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.