Injection Molding Process Engineer — Optimize & Innovate

Clayens Group; Greeneville, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Clayens Group in Greeneville, TN is seeking a Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer to develop, validate, and sustain molding processes for high‑ quality production.

The role collaborates with Operations, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing performance, reduce costs, and support new product launches while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the molding operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in plastic injection molding process engineering or advanced process development.
• Knowledge of injection molding equipment, molds, tooling, and resin processing.
• Experience developing and validating molding processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of scientific molding principles and process optimization techniques.
• Experience with root cause analysis, statistical methods, and process capability analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and quality standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, establish, validate, and document robust injection molding processes for new and existing products.
• Lead process development activities, including mold trials, process studies, capability analysis, and production validations.
• Analyze molding processes and implement improvements to increase productivity, quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Troubleshoot molding defects, including flash, short shots, sink marks, burn marks, splay, warpage, dimensional variation, and cosmetic defects.
• Utilize scientific molding principles and data-driven methodologies to establish and maintain process controls.
• Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions for process-related issues.
• Support new product launches, process qualifications, mold validations, and production ramp‑ups.
• Develop and maintain standard process sheets, work instructions, validation documentation, and engineering records.
• Collaborate with Quality to establish process capability requirements and improve product consistency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, scrap, downtime, material consumption, and manufacturing costs.
• Evaluate and implement process improvements involving automation, robotics, vision systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Partner with Tooling and Maintenance teams to improve mold performance, reliability, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Lead continuous improvement projects utilizing problem‑solving methodologies.
• Support production teams by providing technical guidance and training on molding processes and best practices.
• Participate in customer audits, quality investigations, and corrective action activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and company policies.

Skills

Injection molding

Scientific molding

Process validation

SPC

Root cause analysis

Project leadership

Automation integration

Technical writing

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Clayens Group in Greeneville, TN is seeking a Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer to develop, validate, and sustain molding processes for high‑ quality production.

The role collaborates with Operations, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing performance, reduce costs, and support new product launches while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the molding operation.