Process Engineer

Röchling Automotive; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Röchling Automotive in Akron, OH is seeking an experienced plastic injection molding professional to develop, optimize, and maintain high-volume molding processes. You will lead process setup, mold changeovers, and parameter optimization to ensure consistent part quality and ongoing manufacturing excellence.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in plastics processing, strong problem-solving skills, and experience with automation or robotics on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in plastic injection molding or related roles.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, machine setup, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Experience supporting molds, mold changeovers, tooling adjustments, and process startups.
• Knowledge of SPC, process monitoring, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills with root-cause analysis on molding defects.
• Ability to support production teams on the shop floor with technical guidance.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and secondary operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize plastic injection molding processes to improve productivity, quality, and process stability.
• Perform injection molding machine setups, mold changeovers, startup procedures, and parameter adjustments for optimal part quality.
• Troubleshoot molding issues related to materials, molds, tooling, machines, process parameters, and auxiliary equipment.
• Optimize molding parameters including temperatures, pressures, injection speeds, cooling settings, and cycle times.
• Support mold trials, new tool launches, process validations, and tooling improvements.
• Monitor and improve molding processes through scrap rates, cycle times, downtime, and SPC data.
• Perform root cause analysis on molding defects such as flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, burns, and dimensional variations.
• Support tooling improvements and identify mold-related issues impacting production performance and part quality.
• Set up and troubleshoot robotic systems, automation equipment, and EOAT.
• Collaborate with Tooling, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Production to maximize uptime.
• Train Process Technicians and Operators on injection molding processes and standard work.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction and cycle time optimization.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and problem-solving activities.
• Provide technical support during production launches and daily manufacturing operations.

Skills

Plastic injection molding

Process optimization

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Lean Manufacturing

Tools

Robot systems

Automation equipment

End-of-arm tooling (EOAT)

Job description

Experienced Plastic Injection Molding professional with expertise in developing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes for high-volume plastic component production. Skilled in injection molding process setup, troubleshooting, mold changeovers, tooling support, and process parameter optimization to ensure consistent part quality, reduce scrap, and improve production efficiency. Experienced in working with molding equipment, plastic materials, automation systems, and cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize plastic injection molding processes to improve productivity, quality, and process stability.
• Perform injection molding machine setups, mold changeovers, startup procedures, and parameter adjustments to achieve optimal part quality.
• Troubleshoot molding issues related to plastic materials, molds, tooling, machines, process parameters, and auxiliary equipment.
• Optimize molding parameters including temperatures, pressures, injection speeds, cooling settings, and cycle times.
• Support mold trials, new tool launches, process validations, and tooling improvements.
• Monitor and improve molding processes through analysis of scrap rates, cycle times, downtime, SPC data, and production trends.
• Perform root cause analysis on molding defects such as flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, burns, and dimensional variations.
• Support tooling improvements and identify mold-related issues impacting production performance and part quality.
• Set up and troubleshoot robotic systems, automation equipment, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).
• Collaborate with Tooling, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to maximize equipment uptime and improve manufacturing performance.
• Train Process Technicians and Operators on plastic injection molding processes, equipment operation, troubleshooting methods, and standard work.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, cycle time optimization, cost reduction, and process reliability.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and problem-solving activities.
• Provide technical support during production launches, process improvements, and daily manufacturing operations.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in Plastic Injection Molding, Process Technician, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar manufacturing roles.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, machine setup, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Experience supporting plastic injection molds, mold changeovers, tooling adjustments, and process startups.
• Knowledge of plastic materials, molding defects, SPC, process monitoring, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ability to support production teams and provide technical guidance on the manufacturing floor.
• Experience working with automation, robotics, and secondary operations preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.