Injection Molding Process Specialist — Automotive Interiors

Specialized Talent Acquisition Recruiting Team (START); Fraser (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Talent Acquisition Recruiting Team (START) is seeking an Injection Molding Process Specialist for automotive interiors. You will bridge production, maintenance, and quality, setting up processes, dialing in parameters, and driving continuous improvement on the shop floor.

You’ll own process setups, monitor cycle times, troubleshoot defects, and support mold changes and PPAP/APQP deliverables while coaching operators to meet quality standards and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in injection molding or automotive soft trim manufacturing.
• Ability to set up and optimize process parameters on production floor.
• Willing to work overtime and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and fine-tune injection molding and soft trim processes.
• Establish and monitor process parameters for quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot equipment, materials, and process issues; implement fixes.
• Support mold changes, toolings adjustments, and validation runs.
• Train operators on process control and troubleshooting.
• Maintain process data records and setup sheets.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001.

Skills

Molding processes

Troubleshooting

Data-driven

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Injection Molding Process Specialist — Automotive InteriorsStep onto a high-tech production floor where soft trim and injection molding come together to create world-class automotive interior components. As the Process Specialist, you are the bridge between production, maintenance, and quality—setting up processes, solving problems in real time, and driving continuous improvement to keep machines, molds, and people performing at their best.A day in the lifeMorning kicks off with verifying mold setups and dialing in parameters so first-off parts meet specs. As production ramps, you monitor cycles, adjust conditions, and coach operators on what “good” looks like. When a cosmetic defect pops up or a cycle drifts, you dive into data—scrap rates, downtime, cycle time—to pinpoint root cause and implement corrective and preventive actions. Midday might bring a mold changeover or tooling adjustment, followed by validation runs, first-article checks, and documentation updates. You close the shift by reviewing efficiency metrics, logging process changes, and planning improvements for the next run.What you’ll ownSet up, start, and fine-tune injection molding and soft trim processes to achieve production targets and quality standards.Establish, monitor, and maintain process parameters for repeatable quality and optimized cycle times.Troubleshoot process, material, and equipment issues; implement fixes to reduce scrap and downtime.Execute and support mold changes, machine setups, and tooling adjustments.Own on-the-floor efficiency tracking and reporting.Perform routine upkeep—lubrication, filter changes, minor repairs—to keep equipment production-ready.Handle basic mechanical tasks (replace worn parts, adjust fixtures, tighten fittings) to prevent interruptions.Analyze production data (scrap, cycle, downtime) to drive measurable process improvements.Investigate defects using root cause analysis; implement corrective and preventive actions; coordinate with Quality to disposition nonconforming parts.Support first-article inspections, in-process checks, and capability studies for dimensional and cosmetic conformance.Partner with Maintenance to resolve equipment issues and boost reliability.Ensure alignment with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.Create and maintain setup sheets, work instructions, and parameter controls.Support new product launches, including validation and PPAP/APQP deliverables.Train and mentor operators on process control, setups, inspection, and troubleshooting; provide hands-on machine-side coaching.Identify skill gaps and deliver refresher training when deviations or recurring errors occur.Keep accurate records of process changes, trials, and performance.Follow safety procedures and uphold a clean, organized work area.QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED.3+ years in injection molding and/or automotive soft trim manufacturing.Proven experience in process setup, troubleshooting, and optimization on the production floor.Reliable attendance; willing to work required shifts and overtime.Comfort working in manufacturing and lifting up to 50 lbs.Knowledge, skills, and abilitiesUnderstanding of plastics, molding processes, and soft trim methods (e.g., lamination, edge folding).Capability to set/adjust parameters on injection molding equipment.Strong troubleshooting across mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical systems.Hands-on mechanical aptitude for minor repairs, component swaps, and general equipment/facility upkeep.Data-driven approach to process control (scrap, cycle time, efficiency).Familiarity with IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP; skilled with 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa tools.Read and interpret drawings, work instructions, and technical documentation.Effective trainer and coach with clear communication and technical depth.Detail-oriented; committed to quality and safety; collaborative and self-directed.Strong verbal and written communication.Physical requirementsFrequent standing and walking; regular stooping, crouching, bending, or kneeling; near-vision/close work; reaching; pushing and pulling.Good manual dexterity, hearing, and vision are essential.Routinely lift up to 50 lbs.Personal protective equipment must be worn as required.ProficiencyInjection molding experience.