Process Engineer

Actalent; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 74,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

Childcare Assistance (Tri-Share)

Flexible Hours

Attendance Recognition Program

Safety Shoes & Safety Glasses vouchers

Employee Discount Programs

Employee Referral & Retention Bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Free Uniforms / T-shirts

Employee Resource Groups

Smoking Cessation Program

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Process Engineer for its Grand Rapids, MI location to lead the injection molding function and drive plant performance. You will optimize cycle times, reduce scrap, and mentor Set Up Technicians and C-Techs while guiding tooling and maintenance efforts.

The role requires a strong plastics background, leadership skills, and experience with ERP/EAM systems and Moldflow. This is a fully onsite, permanent position supporting Lean/CI initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in plastics processing or related field.
• Strong understanding of plastic materials and behavior under molding conditions.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to mentor die setters and other processors.
• Strong project management and multi-project handling.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Guide the injection molding function to achieve plant goals, producing quality parts on time with optimal cycle times while reducing scrap.
• Continuously improve cycle times (OEE) and reduce scrap (OEE Scrap).
• Lead, supervise, and develop Set Up Technicians and C-Tech employees to build technical capability.
• Manage tooling budget and coordinate tooling preventative maintenance.
• Coordinate and support mold tryouts and processing activities.
• Provide and coordinate technical training to develop team capability.
• Actively participate in new product launches to ensure molding processes meet targets.

Skills

Injection molding

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Microsoft 365

Education

Associate's degree in Plastics Technology or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

ERP/EAM systems (QAD, SAP, IQMS)

Moldflow or injection molding simulation

Job description

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

As a Process Engineer, you will be pivotal to the manufacturing operations, leading the injection molding function and driving performance to ensure the plant operates at its best. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality parts on time, achieving production targets, and optimizing cycle times and scrap performance.

Responsibilities

• Guide the injection molding function to achieve plant goals and objectives, including producing quality parts on time and at optimal cycle times while reducing scrap.
• Continuously improve cycle times (OEE Performance) and reduce scrap (OEE Scrap).
• Drive key performance metrics within the plant, aligning with plant leadership.
• Lead, supervise, and develop Set Up Technicians and C-Tech employees to build technical capability and ensure consistent execution of molding standards.
• Implement sustainable solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and cost through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage tooling budget and coordinate tooling preventative maintenance.
• Monitor auxiliary equipment needs and assist with quoting and procurement activities.
• Administer and maintain process control systems and procedures standards to ensure stable production.
• Submit work orders for maintenance and tooling requirements.
• Coordinate and support mold tryouts and processing activities.
• Provide and coordinate technical training to continuously develop team capability.
• Actively participate in new product launches to ensure molding processes meet quality, cycle time, and scrap targets.
• Participate as a CES (Lean/CI) core team member and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Attend leadership forums and complete required leadership training.
• Execute plant-level operational strategies and lead the development and execution of annual departmental goals aligned with organizational objectives.
• Perform additional responsibilities to achieve business objectives.

Essential Skills

• Associates degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in plastics processing or related field.
• Strong understanding of plastic materials and behavior under molding conditions.
• Demonstrated leadership and core competencies.
• Experience in die setting and processing, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop die setters and other processors.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
• Strong analytical, math, and writing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with scientific molding.
• Familiarity with injection molding simulation software (e.g., Moldflow).
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with ERP/EAM systems (e.g., QAD, SAP, IQMS, or similar).
• Exposure to cost reduction initiatives and financial analysis (scrap, efficiency, ROI).
• Experience supporting new product launches or APQP processes.

Work Environment

This role operates on the 1st shift at the Grand Rapids, MI location. The work environment is inclusive, welcoming diversity and fostering a sense of belonging. Employees enjoy perks such as weekly pay, childcare assistance, flexible hours, attendance recognition, safety gear vouchers, employee discount programs, and more. The culture emphasizes high moral and ethical standards, servant leadership, and open communication, contributing to a supportive and collaborative workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $74000.00 - $104000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Weekly Pay
• Childcare Assistance (Tri-Share)
• Flexible Hours & Scheduling
• Attendance Recognition Program
• Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
• Employee Discount Programs
• Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Uniforms / T-shirts
• Employee Resource Groups
• Smoking Cessation Products and Program

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.