Process Engineer

Drive; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Drive in Charlotte, Michigan is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and sustain plastic injection molding processes for high‑volume automotive components.

You will partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, and Program Management to drive excellence, improve process capability, and support new product launches while ensuring IATF 16949 compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Industrial Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3 years of Process Engineering experience.
• Experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers or automotive manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding process development, troubleshooting and optimization.
• Experience with Automotive Core Tools: APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain plastic injection molding processes to improve quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Troubleshoot molding defects, process variation, tooling issues, and equipment performance to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Establish and document process parameters, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Support new product launches through APQP, mold trials, process validation, and PPAP submissions.
• Participate in PFMEA, Control Plan development, and process capability studies.
• Analyze production data to improve cycle times, OEE, first-pass yield, and overall process performance.
• Lead root cause investigations using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and other structured problem-solving methods.
• Collaborate with Tooling, Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Support engineering changes, equipment installations, mold qualifications, and process improvements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 standards and customer-specific automotive requirements.

Skills

Process engineering

Injection molding

Automotive manufacturing

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Plastics/Industrial Engineering

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

MSA

SPC

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Process Engineer to join our growing Tier 1 automotive manufacturing team in Charlotte, Michigan. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining injection molding processes to support the production of high-quality automotive components. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in plastic injection molding, process optimization, and continuous improvement within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

This position will partner closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, and Program Management to drive operational excellence, improve process capability, and support new product launches.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain plastic injection molding processes to improve quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Troubleshoot molding defects, process variation, tooling issues, and equipment performance to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Establish and document process parameters, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Support new product launches through APQP, mold trials, process validation, and PPAP submissions.
• Participate in PFMEA, Control Plan development, and process capability studies.
• Analyze production data to improve cycle times, OEE, first-pass yield, and overall process performance.
• Lead root cause investigations using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and other structured problem‑solving methods.
• Collaborate with Tooling, Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Support engineering changes, equipment installations, mold qualifications, and process improvements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 standards and customer‑specific automotive requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3 years of Process Engineering experience.
• Experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier or within automotive manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience with Automotive Core Tools:
  • APQP
  • PPAP
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • MSA
  • SPC
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing data analysis tools.

Preferred

• RJG Scientific Molding certification or equivalent processing certification.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Experience with robotic automation, hot runner systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience supporting new program launches and customer process validations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $90,000–$95,000 based on experience