Plastics Engineer: Injection Molding & Process Innovation

us conec; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 4 weeks

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Relocation assistance

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

US Conec, Ltd. in Hickory, NC seeks a Plastics Engineer to lead injection molding processes and tooling development for high‑volume manufacturing.

You will collaborate across Engineering, Tooling, Quality, and Manufacturing to improve process capability, product quality, and cost effectiveness. The role emphasizes applying scientific molding principles, DOE, and data analysis, mentoring Technicians, and supporting capital projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related
• Experience with plastic injection molding in manufacturing
• Knowledge of polymer materials, mold design, and processing principles
• Understanding of DOE, SPC, Measurement Systems Analysis, and root cause analysis
• Experience troubleshooting molding processes and driving continuous improvement
• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Excellent communication abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize plastic injection molding processes for new and existing products.
• Lead mold trials, process qualification, and production readiness activities.
• Analyze molding performance and implement improvements to quality, scrap reduction, cycle times, and OEE.
• Collaborate with Tooling, Product Development, and Manufacturing on mold design reviews and tooling changes.
• Evaluate materials and resins based on performance, manufacturability and cost.
• Apply scientific molding principles and data analysis for robust processes.
• Troubleshoot molding defects and process issues; address flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, and dimensional variation.
• Create and maintain setup sheets, work instructions, validation reports, and process standards.
• Support safety, productivity, quality, and cost-reduction initiatives; investigate customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
• Provide training and mentorship to Process Technicians and Mold Technicians.
• Support capital projects involving molding equipment and automation.

Skills

Plastic Injection Molding

Process Optimization

DOE/Statistics

Root Cause Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering or related

Tools

3D CAD Software

CMM/Metrology

Job description

US Conec, Ltd. in Hickory, NC seeks a Plastics Engineer to lead injection molding processes and tooling development for high‑volume manufacturing.

You will collaborate across Engineering, Tooling, Quality, and Manufacturing to improve process capability, product quality, and cost effectiveness. The role emphasizes applying scientific molding principles, DOE, and data analysis, mentoring Technicians, and supporting capital projects.