Plastics Engineer

us conec; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks PTO

Health, dental & vision plans

401(k) with employer match

Relocation assistance to Hickory, NC

Job summary

US Conec is seeking a Plastics Engineer to lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of plastic injection molding processes and tooling for new and existing products.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Tooling, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to improve process capability, product quality, efficiency, and cost while driving innovation across plastics manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Experience with plastic injection molding in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of polymer materials, resin behavior, mold design, and processing principles.
• Understanding of DOE, SPC, Measurement R&R, and root cause analysis.
• Experience troubleshooting molding processes and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize plastic injection molding processes for new and existing products.
• Lead process development activities, including mold trials, process qualification, and production readiness efforts.
• Analyze molding performance and implement improvements to enhance quality, reduce scrap, improve cycle times, and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
• Partner with Tooling, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams on mold design reviews, tooling modifications, and new product launches.
• Evaluate and recommend plastic materials and resins based on product performance, manufacturability, and cost objectives.
• Utilize scientific molding principles, statistical methods, and data analysis to establish robust and repeatable molding processes.
• Troubleshoot molding defects and process issues, including flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, dimensional variation, and cosmetic concerns.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including setup sheets, work instructions, validation reports, and process standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to investigate customer complaints, nonconformances, and returned product, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentorship to Process Technicians, Mold Technicians, and production personnel.
• Support capital projects involving molding equipment, auxiliary systems, automation, and process monitoring technologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

3D CAD software

CMMs

CT scanning

Vision inspection systems

Job description

Plastics Engineer

Overview

Welcome to US Conec, where we take pride in being a global leader in high-density fiber‑optic connector solutions. With over 30 years of expertise in precision engineering, injection molding, and plastics manufacturing, we are excited to invite you to join our team as a Plastics Engineer.

In this role, you will lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of plastic injection molding processes and tooling that support both new product introductions and existing production programs. You'll work closely with Engineering, Tooling, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to improve process capability, product quality, efficiency, and cost while helping drive innovation across our plastics manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize plastic injection molding processes for new and existing products.
• Lead process development activities, including mold trials, process qualification, and production readiness efforts.
• Analyze molding performance and implement improvements to enhance quality, reduce scrap, improve cycle times, and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
• Partner with Tooling, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams on mold design reviews, tooling modifications, and new product launches.
• Evaluate and recommend plastic materials and resins based on product performance, manufacturability, and cost objectives.
• Utilize scientific molding principles, statistical methods, and data analysis to establish robust and repeatable molding processes.
• Troubleshoot molding defects and process issues, including flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, dimensional variation, and cosmetic concerns.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including setup sheets, work instructions, validation reports, and process standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to investigate customer complaints, nonconformances, and returned product, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentorship to Process Technicians, Mold Technicians, and production personnel.
• Support capital projects involving molding equipment, auxiliary systems, automation, and process monitoring technologies.

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with plastic injection molding processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of polymer materials, resin behavior, mold design, and processing principles.
• Understanding of statistical and problem‑solving methodologies, including DOE, SPC, Measurement R&R, and root cause analysis.
• Experience troubleshooting molding processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with scientific molding methodologies and RJG training/certification.
• Hands‑on experience with mold qualification, validation, and process capability studies.
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, vision systems, and auxiliary equipment used in injection molding operations.
• Familiarity with resin drying systems, hot runner technologies, and process monitoring systems.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and mold design reviews.
• Working knowledge of metrology equipment such as CMMs, CT scanning, optical measurement systems, and vision inspection technologies.
• Exposure to medical device, telecommunications, precision plastics, or other high‑volume, tight‑tolerance manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma training or certifications.

Relocation Assistance Available

We welcome candidates from across the country. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates to support a successful transition to the Hickory, NC area. Our team is committed to helping new employees settle into both their role and the local community.

What We Offer

• A competitive base salary with performance‑based bonus potential, rewarding your hard work and contributions.
• 4 weeks of PTO to ensure you have time to relax and recharge.
• Health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match and planning resources to help secure your future.
• A collaborative, team‑based culture that fuels innovation and creativity.
• Paid time off, holidays, and employee recognition programs celebrating your achievements.
• Community engagement and STEM outreach opportunities to give back locally and make a difference.
• The opportunity to work with industry‑leading technologies in precision injection molding, fiber‑optic connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.

Join US Conec and help shape the future of precision plastics manufacturing and fiber‑optic connectivity.

US Conec is a Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.