Process Engineer – Injection Molding & Scientific Processing

M & M Industries, Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid vacation/PTO & DTO

401(k) with company match

Educational reimbursement

Profit sharing

Job summary

M&M Industries is seeking an Injection Molding Process Engineer to lead modernization and optimization of our plastic molding operations. The role focuses on scientific molding, process validation, and DOE-driven improvements to reduce scrap and cycle times.

You will mentor Process Technicians, collaborate with tooling and mold vendors, and apply data-driven methods to ensure high-quality outputs while supporting Lean initiatives. RJG Master Molder certification is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Lean manufacturing experience incl. VSM, Kanban, TPM
• 5+ years in injection molding engineering/processing
• 3+ years leadership of Process Technicians

Responsibilities

• Enforce policies and promote safety culture
• Maintain clean, safe, productive work area
• Create and drive training for Process Technicians
• Support engineering with part/tool design and mold sampling/DOE
• Develop process specs and optimize with data testing
• Interact with customers, suppliers, and internal resources
• Lead continuous improvement to reduce cycle time, scrap, downtime and improve OEE
• Troubleshoot material and processing issues
• Analyze workforce utilization and equipment layout with Production/Maintenance
• Collaborate with mold vendors to streamline onboarding of new tools
• Apply statistical methods to estimate capabilities and develop standards
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions
• Develop work instructions for molding best practices

Skills

Team leadership

Data analysis

Communication

MS Office

Scientific molding

Robot programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Plastics Processing knowledge

Tools

End-of-arm tooling

Data acquisition software

Job description

M&M Industries is a U.S.-based manufacturer of plastic pails and packaging solutions. We operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence are critical to meeting customer expectations.

We are seeking an experienced Injection Molding Process Engineer with a strong background in scientific molding and process optimization. The ideal candidate will be an RJG Master Molder (or equivalent) with extensive experience developing, troubleshooting, validating, and optimizing injection molding processes while leading continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Enforce all company policies and procedures while promoting a safety-first culture
• Maintain a clean and organized work area with emphasis on safety, quality, and productivity
• Create and drive training and development opportunities for Process Technicians
• Support Engineering with part design, tool design, prototyping, and mold sampling/approval; lead the dimensional reconciliation process through Master Mold setup, DOE's, and confirmation runs
• Develop process specifications to ensure quality output of molded products; optimize processes using data acquisition software and end-product performance testing
• Interact with customers, suppliers, and internal resources
• Implement process and quality improvements through Lean and continuous improvement methods focused on reducing cycle time, scrap, and downtime while improving OEE
• Troubleshoot material and processing issues
• Partner with Production and Maintenance to analyze workforce utilization, space requirements, workflow, and equipment layout to maximize efficiency
• Work with the Tooling Manager to ensure optimized processing and proper care of tooling
• Collaborate with mold vendors to streamline onboarding of new tools and improve process efficiency
• Apply statistical methods to estimate manufacturing capabilities, improve current processes, and develop tools and standards that support shop floor autonomy
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify key issues, implement corrective actions, and validate effectiveness
• Develop work instructions for molding best practices

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to inspire and cultivate a team by establishing trust, maintaining a strong floor presence, supporting problem-solving, driving execution, and collaborating effectively with vendors, teammates, and customers
• Proven ability to analyze data and trends and prepare written correspondence and presentations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and motivational skills
• Thorough understanding of scientific molding principles and practices
• Ability to program robots and assist with the development of end-of-arm tooling

Education

• High School Diploma required
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Plastics Processing preferred
  Licenses & Certifications
  • RJG Master Molder or equivalent required
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred
  Experience
  • Experience applying Lean manufacturing tools, including Value Stream Mapping, Kanban system design and implementation, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) required
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience utilizing structured problem-solving techniques and tools required
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in an injection molding engineering or processing role with direct responsibility for the injection molding process required
  • Minimum three (3) years of direct and/or indirect leadership experience overseeing Process Technicians required
  What We Offer

  M&M Industries offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees and reward the work that drives our success. Full-time employees may elect medical, dental and vision coverage effective on their first day of employment. We also offer paid vacation/PTO and discretionary time off (DTO), with the amount and timing based on position and tenure; paid company holidays after 90 days; and a 401(k) with company match beginning on the first day of the month following 90 days of employment. Educational reimbursement is available after one year of employment. Eligible employees may also participate in quarterly profit sharing when company performance thresholds are met. Hourly employees who work on a recognized holiday receive time-and-a-half for all hours worked. Benefits and eligibility are subject to applicable plan documents and company policies.