Process Engineer

Röchling Automotive; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Röchling Automotive is seeking an experienced Plastic Injection Molding professional to develop, optimize, and maintain manufacturing processes for high-volume plastic component production.

You will work with molding equipment, automation systems, and cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence, including machine setups, mold changeovers, process validation, tooling support, and operator training.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in Plastic Injection Molding or related manufacturing roles.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, machine setup, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience supporting molds, mold changeovers, tooling adjustments, and process startups.
• Experience with automation, robotics, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize plastic injection molding processes to improve productivity and quality.
• Perform machine setups, mold changeovers, startup procedures, and parameter adjustments.
• Troubleshoot molding issues related to materials, molds, tooling, machines, and process parameters.
• Optimize molding parameters including temperatures, pressures, injection speeds, cooling, and cycle times.
• Support mold trials, tool launches, process validations, and tooling improvements.
• Monitor scrap rates, cycle times, downtime, and production trends to drive improvements.
• Perform root cause analysis on molding defects and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maximize equipment uptime.

Skills

Plastic Injection Molding

Process Engineering

Mold Changeovers

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

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.