Process Engineer

Prolink; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Prolink in Kentucky is seeking a Process Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of injection molding processes. You will establish robust manufacturing standards, improve productivity and quality, and support new product launches as a technical expert across engineering and operations.

This hands-on role thrives on solving complex processing challenges through scientific molding principles and data-driven decision making, with a focus on reducing waste and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Plastics required.
• 5+ years in injection molding or plastics processing.
• Strong knowledge of scientific molding principles and modern injection molding technologies.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, FMEA, Mold Flow analysis, and structured problem-solving.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, tooling, and process validation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize injection molding processes using scientific molding methodologies.
• Establish, validate, document process parameters for stable production.
• Conduct process studies (DOE, SPC, Mold Flow, etc.).
• Troubleshoot molding, tooling, and manufacturing issues; drive CAPA.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering to improve process performance.
• Support mold maintenance, repair, and predictive maintenance initiatives.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to molding equipment, automation, and hot runners.
• Lead process development for new tooling, products, and manufacturing programs.
• Provide process engineering input during new product development.

Skills

Scientific molding

DOE

SPC

FMEA

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Plastics

Master Molder certification (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

A growing manufacturer is seeking a Process Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of injection molding processes. This position will play a critical role in establishing robust manufacturing standards, improving productivity and quality, supporting new product launches, and serving as a technical expert across engineering and operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex processing challenges through scientific molding principles and data-driven decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize injection molding processes utilizing scientific molding methodologies.
• Establish, validate, and document process parameters to ensure stable, repeatable, and efficient production.
• Conduct process studies including mold balance analysis, gate freeze studies, relative viscosity studies, DOE, SPC, and other analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot molding, tooling, and manufacturing issues while driving corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve process performance and product quality.
• Support mold maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance initiatives.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to molding equipment, automation, robotics, hot runner systems, and related technologies.
• Lead process development activities for new tooling, products, and manufacturing programs.
• Support tooling design reviews and provide process engineering expertise during new product development.
• Analyze manufacturing data and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, process sheets, validation reports, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with customers and suppliers to ensure successful sampling activities and effective resolution of production challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in injection molding, plastics processing, manufacturing engineering, or related disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of scientific molding principles and modern injection molding technologies.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, FMEA, Mold Flow analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, tooling, and process validation.
• Experience with CAD software; SolidWorks experience is preferred.
• Master Molder certification is a plus.
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Preferred Background

• Injection molding process development and optimization
• Plastics manufacturing
• Tooling and mold qualification
• Process validation
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• New product introduction (NPI)

Travel

• Approximately 25% travel required.