Process Engineer

Axios Professional Recruitment; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Axios Professional Recruitment partners with a growing West Michigan manufacturer to hire a Process Engineer for the injection molding function. The role leads process optimization, quality improvements, and efficiency gains across production, mentoring technicians and supporting new product launches.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in plastics processing, strong molding knowledge, and proven leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years plastics processing or related manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes and troubleshooting.
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the injection molding function to achieve plant goals related to quality, productivity, scrap reduction, and cycle time improvements.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including OEE.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Set Up Technicians and Process Technicians.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Manage tooling budgets and coordinate preventative maintenance activities.
• Support auxiliary equipment selection, justification, and procurement.
• Maintain process control standards for consistency and repeatability.
• Coordinate mold tryouts, processing activities, and maintenance.
• Provide technical training and partner with cross-functional teams to improve performance.
• Support production scheduling and procurement activities.
• Participate in all phases of new product launches to ensure success.
• Contribute to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Execute departmental goals aligned with plant objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

Associate's degree in Plastics Technology/Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft 365

Moldflow

ERP/EAM (QAD)

ERP/EAM (SAP)

ERP/EAM (IQMS)

Lean Six Sigma

APQP

Job description

Axios Professional Recruitment is partnered with a growing West Michigan manufacturer seeking a Process Engineer to join their team.

The Process Engineer will lead the injection molding function, driving process performance, quality, and operational efficiency across production. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for optimizing molding processes, reducing scrap, improving cycle times, mentoring technical staff, and supporting new product launches. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the injection molding function to achieve plant goals related to quality, productivity, scrap reduction, and cycle time improvements.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead, mentor, and develop Set Up Technicians and Process Technicians.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, identify root causes, and implement sustainable process improvements.
• Manage tooling budgets and coordinate preventative maintenance activities.
• Support auxiliary equipment selection, justification, and procurement.
• Maintain process control standards to ensure consistent and repeatable production.
• Coordinate mold tryouts, processing activities, and maintenance requirements.
• Provide technical training and partner with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Support production scheduling and procurement activities.
• Participate in all phases of new product launches to ensure successful implementation.
• Contribute to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Execute departmental goals aligned with plant and organizational objectives.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of plastics processing or related manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, plastic materials, and troubleshooting.
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Scientific molding experience.
• Experience with Moldflow or similar injection molding simulation software.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience with ERP/EAM systems such as QAD, SAP, or IQMS.
• Experience supporting new product launches and APQP processes.
• Knowledge of cost reduction initiatives, efficiency improvements, and ROI analysis.

Axios Professional Recruitment—an entirely employee-owned company is the largest independent employer in West Michigan. Our mission is to match people with meaningful, long-lasting, and enjoyable careers, not just a job. Since 1988, we've helped match over 300,000 people just like you with top employers across West Michigan.