Process Engineer

Infiltrator Water Technologies; Winchester (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k with match

Stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Infiltrator Water Technologies in Winchester, KY, is seeking an experienced Injection Molding Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and sustain molding processes for high-quality, cost-effective production.

You will lead DOE, troubleshoot defects, establish standard processing parameters, support mold trials, and drive scrap reduction, cycle-time improvement, and OEE across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Plastics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in injection molding process engineering or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of scientific molding principles (fill, pack, hold, cooling optimization).
• Proven experience troubleshooting molding defects and process instability.
• Experience running and analyzing Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Familiarity with thermoplastics materials.
• Ability to interpret part drawings and CAD data.
• Strong data analysis skills and experience using SPC tools.
• Experience with molding machines, hot runner systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard manufacturing tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing programs.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities (DOE, root cause analysis, SPC) to reduce scrap and improve quality.
• Establish standard processing parameters, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Support mold trials, qualification runs, and new product launches.
• Troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flash, warp, dimensional variation, and cosmetic issues.
• Drive cycle time reduction, material usage optimization, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE) improvements.
• Collaborate with tooling and maintenance teams to improve mold performance and reliability.
• Analyze process data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable).
• Train technicians and operators on best practices, process standards, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Lead continuous improvement and cost saving initiatives.
• Identify root causes and implement permanent corrective actions for process related functions.
• Assist in the development and coordination of project plans, review vendor proposals, manage team activities, communicate changes, provide progress updates, and complete on time and within budget.

Skills

Data analysis

DOE

Troubleshooting

Scientific molding

SPC

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Mold machinery

Hot runner systems

Robotics

Conveyors

Moldflow

Job description

Overview

Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. IWT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Drainage Systems (ticker: WMS, NYSE).

The majority of our products are produced almost entirely from recycled resins. Infiltrator’s recycling operation is among the country’s top twenty producers / consumers of recycled resins and among only a few of whom consume 100% of that resin in the finished products produced. Infiltrator operates some of largest molding machines and robotics producing the largest plastic molded parts in the world. IWT has always and continues to compete on innovation; we hold over 200 patents.

Responsibilities

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Injection Molding Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining molding processes to ensure high-quality, cost-effective production. This role focuses on process stability, scrap reduction, cycle time optimization, and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. The engineer will work cross-functionally with tooling, maintenance, quality, and production teams to troubleshoot issues and drive measurable performance gains. This could be a second shift position.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, validate, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing programs
• Lead structured problem-solving activities (DOE, root cause analysis, SPC) to reduce scrap and improve quality
• Establish and document standard processing parameters, setup sheets, and work instructions
• Support mold trials, qualification runs, and new product launches
• Troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flash, warp, dimensional variation, and cosmetic issues
• Drive cycle time reduction, material usage optimization, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE) improvements
• Collaborate with tooling and maintenance teams to improve mold performance and reliability
• Analyze process data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable)
• Train technicians and operators on best practices, process standards, and troubleshooting techniques
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Lead continuous improvement and cost saving initiatives
• Identify root causes and implement permanent corrective actions for process related functions
• Assist in the development and coordination of project plans, review vendor proposals, manage team activities, communicate changes, provide progress updates, and complete on time and within budget.

QUALIFICATIONS (must have):

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Plastics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field) or equivalent firsthand experience
• 10+ years of experience in injection molding process engineering or equivalent technical role.
• Strong understanding of scientific molding principles (fill, pack, hold, cooling optimization)
• Proven experience with troubleshooting molding defects and process instability
• Experience running and analyzing Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Familiarity with thermoplastics materials.
• Ability to interpret part drawings and CAD data.
• Strong data analysis skills and experience using SPC tools
• Experience with molding machines, hot runner systems, and auxiliary equipment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard manufacturing tools

QUALIFICATIONS (beneficial):

• RJG Master Molder certification or similar scientific molding training
• Familiarity with mold flow analysis (Moldflow or equivalent)
• Knowledge of automation systems (robotics, conveyors, vision inspection)
• Experience with Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing methodologies
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:

• Analytical, with a data-driven approach to problem solving
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for reducing waste and improving efficiency
• Effective communicator who can translate technical concepts to operators and leadership
• Meticulous with a focus on process consistency and repeatability
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Collaborative, and capable of influencing cross-functional teams

Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.