Process Engineer – Plastic Injection Molding

Clayens; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Clayens in Crystal Lake, IL is seeking a Process Engineer to join our Engineering team. You will lead process improvements for injection molding, validate molds, and mentor technicians while supporting safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a engineering degree and 4+ years in manufacturing, with experience in Lean methods, IQMS ERP, RJG technology, and reading blueprints. This is a full-time on-site position.

Qualifications

• Degree in plastics, manufacturing, industrial, or mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing.
• Experience with IQMS or similar ERP software.
• 4+ years in manufacturing or industrial engineering preferred.
• Experience with injection molding processes and RJG technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve injection molding processes to optimize quality and productivity.
• Plan and validate molds and IMMs for manufacturing.
• Mentor engineers and training Process Technicians.
• Ensure compliance with ISO13485:2016 and FDA 21 CFR part 820 (CGMP).
• Support safety, quality, and manufacturing issue resolution with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Injection molding

RJG Technology

Lean Manufacturing

IQMS ERP

Blueprints

MS Excel

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

As part of our continued growth, Clayens is seeking a Process Engineer to join our Engineering team in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to lead process improvements, support operational performance, and contribute to the development of innovative manufacturing solutions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop, implement, maintain, and improve current injection molding processes, including equipment, documentation, training, gages, and tooling/fixtures, to optimize quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Plan, specify, select, validate (IQ/OQ/PQ), and implement new/existing molds and IMMs for manufacturing.
• Apply Scientific Injection Molding principles to new/current processes by directly running Injection molding machines when needed.
• Monitor performance of process parameters that produce non-conforming products, low yields, or product quality issues. Interfaces with Quality and Engineering Departments to resolve manufacturing production issues.
• Evaluates, creates, and improves manufacturing processes by applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials.
• Ensure manufacturing processes, equipment, and products comply with safety standards and legal regulations.
• Provide leadership to a project team as assigned, mentor/lead other engineers and technical staff.
• Provide leadership and training for Process Technicians on the Manufacturing floor.
• Develop technical training and documentation for manufacturing new and existing products.
• Assist in maintaining FDA/ISO Quality Standards plant-wide.
• Engage with the appropriate personnel in the identification and resolution of Corrective/Preventative actions to address Safety, Quality, Technical, and Manufacturing issues.
• Supports quoting activities for feasibility of manufacturing and cycle time estimates.
• Adheres to safety policies and strives to maintain our outstanding safety record.
• Keeps work area, tools, supplies and equipment clean and organized.

Other Job Functions:

• Performs other job-related and department-related duties as assigned.
• Evaluate quality control processes and make recommendations for improvements in quality control.
• Analyze production processes, schedules, methods, and other data and then provide management with reports containing the data and statistics to enable management to better understand future requirements needed for the manufacturing process.
• Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Degree in plastics, manufacturing, industrial, or mechanical engineering required.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing.
• Knowledge working with IQMS or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering preferred.
• Experience evaluating, performing root cause analysis, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes and machinery.Strong organization and management skills.
• Knowledge of ISO13485:2016 and FDA 21 CFR part 820 (CGMP).
• High level of technical expertise in operating Injection Molding Machines. Experienced with RJG technology and de-coupled molding techniques.
• Strong analytical thinker.
• Highly motivated & energetic with a strong work ethic
• Proven ability to use Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints.
• Must have excellent attendance record.
• Ability to work safely and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to clearly communicate and interact with all levels of personnel professionally.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and complete work independently.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work at desk for extended periods of time.
• Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling.
• Possibility of exposure to noise, uncontrolled temperatures, and chemicals

Joining the CLAYENS Group means becoming part of one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-performance polymers, composites, and precision metal components. With more than 5,000 employees and annual revenue of €600 million, the Group operates globally through a network of subsidiaries across France and internationally.

Every day, we work alongside our customers to deliver innovative technologies for advanced design and manufacturing applications. Our broad range of expertise enables us to support diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace & defense, home equipment, and medical devices.

Committed to building an industry that combines innovation with responsibility, we bring our slogan to life every day: “A World of Opportunities.”