Process Engineer – Plastics or Rubber

Software Placement Group, SPG; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Profit sharing

401(k)

Healthcare coverage

Disability insurance

Holidays and vacation

Life insurance

Job summary

Software Placement Group, SPG is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer in Akron, OH to lead molding operations with a strong focus on continuous improvement and project execution. You will work on state-of-the-art equipment, partnering with leadership to drive efficiency on a non-automotive product line.

The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, tooling, and layout optimization, with opportunities to oversee capital projects and collaborate across teams for reliable, high-quality output.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree minimum; technical bachelor's preferred.
• 2-5 years in manufacturing/process engineering.
• Experience in plastic/rubber molding processes.
• Strong CI background and project timelines experience.
• 2D/3D modeling experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support production lines to improve efficiencies and reduce scrap.
• Lead root cause analysis and downtime reduction projects.
• Model line layouts and fixtures using 2D/3D tools.
• Assist with new product activities and project management.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical issues.
• Collaborate with operations to improve KPIs and initiatives.
• Improve existing engineering designs and documents.
• Create work instructions and manufacturing documents.
• Interact with tool shops for tooling projects and cost justification.
• Support automation improvements and capital projects planning.

Skills

2D/3D modeling

Continuous improvement

Project management

Mechanical aptitude

Design optimization

Operations communication

Excel proficiency

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC automation

Tooling design review

Excel

Job description

Location: Akron, OH | Schedule: Full-time, on-site, approximately 45-hour workweek with minimal weekends

Overview

An established manufacturer in the plastics and rubber molding industry is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to serve as a key technical leader in its molding operations. The facility has recently undergone a significant investment in state-of-the-art molding equipment and advanced automation, offering an engineer the opportunity to drive innovation on a stable, non-automotive product line while working closely with senior leadership.

What you'll do

• Support production lines while increasing efficiencies and decreasing scrap
• Complete projects related to root cause analysis and troubleshooting downtime
• Utilize 2D and 3D modeling to improve line layouts and design fixtures and gauges
• Assist with new product activities, documentation, and project management
• Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical issues
• Communicate with operations and production associates to improve KPIs and production initiatives
• Work to improve current engineering designs
• Assist with creating work instructions and other manufacturing documentation
• Complete tooling troubleshooting and work with external tool shops
• Support automation improvements
• Initiate cost justification on new projects and equipment
• Eventually oversee capital equipment projects, including monitoring timelines and budgets
• Perform other duties as directed by engineering management

Required qualifications

• Associate's degree at minimum; a bachelor's degree in a technical field, ideally Mechanical Engineering, is highly preferred
• 2-5 years of similar manufacturing and/or process engineering experience
• Experience working in plastic or rubber injection, blow or compression molding
• Strong continuous improvement background
• Project management of timelines
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Experience improving part designs
• 2D/3D modeling experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with PLCs and automation
• Tooling design review experience
• Budget management experience

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus potential
• Profit sharing
• 401(k)
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Short/long-term disability
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Life insurance

Why this role

This position offers a predictable, non-automotive product line, direct daily access to on-site leadership for fast-tracked decisions, and a strong work-life balance with an average 45-hour workweek and minimal weekend or on-call demands.