Plastics Process Engineer - Injection Molding

Kids for the Future; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Job summary

Leviat is seeking a Plastics Process Engineer to oversee the optimization, maintenance, and production standards used in our plastic manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, production efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness.

This role supports operations by troubleshooting process issues, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing new technologies and manufacturing methods for injection molding or other plastics processing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of plastics manufacturing and process engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of plastic materials, resins, and processing techniques.
• Experience with injection molding processes.
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, and vision systems.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, process capability studies, and root cause solving.
• Experience with manufacturing ERP systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage priorities.
• Able to work independently and in teams.
• Versatile, flexible, and able to adapt to changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Strong safety background and attendance record.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot molding and processing issues related to machines, tooling, materials, and equipment.
• Establish and maintain process parameters, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Lead process validation activities and capability studies where applicable.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for waste reduction, cycle time improvements, and cost savings.
• Support new product launches through tooling trials, process development, and production ramp-up activities.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Tooling, and Supply Chain teams to resolve operational issues.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment, tooling, materials, and automation technologies.
• Keep equipment operational by coordinating maintenance and repair services; follow manufacturer's instructions and procedures.
• Complete design and development projects by training and guiding technicians.
• Develop and implement process improvements to optimize product quality, production efficiency, and cost.
• Lead installation, startup, and qualification of new molding or plastics processing equipment.
• Support automation integration, including robotics, conveyors, vision systems, and downstream equipment.
• Drive ramp-up activities to achieve safety, quality, throughput, and OEE goals.
• Review mold designs and provide Design for Manufacturability recommendations.
• Lead tooling improvement projects to enhance cycle times, part quality, reliability, and mold maintenance intervals.
• Evaluate alternative resins, additives, colorants, and recycled materials to reduce part cost while maintaining requirements.
• Lead material qualification and validation projects, including testing for mechanical, thermal, and cosmetic performance.
• Identify opportunities for resin down-gauging, regrind utilization, and material substitutions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Train production personnel on process controls, operating procedures, and best practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Monitor and improve OEE, scrap rates, and productivity metrics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Injection molding

Automation

Robotics

Vision systems

Statistical analysis

ERP systems

Project management

MS Office

Communication

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Data analysis tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Leviat is seeking a Plastics Process Engineer to oversee the optimization, maintenance, and production standards used in our plastic manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, production efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness.

This role supports operations by troubleshooting process issues, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing new technologies and manufacturing methods for injection molding or other plastics processing operations.