Senior LSR/HCR Molding Engineer for Process Excellence

African American Talent; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Molding Engineer in Buffalo Grove, IL to lead development, optimization, and maintenance of LSR and HCR molding processes, including injection, transfer, and compression molding.

You will drive process capability, reduce cycle times, cut scrap, and support new product launches while collaborating closely with Production, Quality, NPI, and Maintenance teams in a Lean environment. Strong focus on DOE, troubleshooting, and mentoring operators in molding best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Plastics, or Polymer Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in silicone/rubber molding.
• Strong understanding of LSR/HCR molding, and compression/transfer molding.
• Proficiency with cure cycles, post-cure, material behavior, and tool design elements.
• Experience using DOE, SPC, and statistical tools for process improvement.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and specifications.
• Proven success troubleshooting complex molding issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize molding processes for LSR injection molding, HCR injection, compression, and transfer molding.
• Apply scientific molding techniques to establish injection/fill profiles, pack/hold strategies, and cure/thermal profiles.
• Perform DOE studies to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Establish and maintain standard process parameter sheets, recipes, and work instructions.
• Provide daily technical support to address molding issues (flash, short shots, cure variations).
• Lead structured root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Train operators and technicians in molding best practices.
• Partner with Tooling Engineer on gate/vent design and mold qualification.
• Drive improvements in cycle time, downtime, and yield.
• Participate in LEAN, Kaizen, 5S, and efficiency projects.
• Collaborate with NPI for feasibility reviews and launch readiness.
• Communicate clearly with Production and Quality on changes.

Skills

Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Mfg, M

5+ years experience in silicone/rubber

LSR/HCR molding expertise

Cure cycles and tool design

DOE/SPC and statistics

Engineering drawings/GD&T/CAD

Troubleshooting molding issues

Tools

SolidWorks or 3D modeling software

Mold flow analysis

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Molding Engineer in Buffalo Grove, IL to lead development, optimization, and maintenance of LSR and HCR molding processes, including injection, transfer, and compression molding.

You will drive process capability, reduce cycle times, cut scrap, and support new product launches while collaborating closely with Production, Quality, NPI, and Maintenance teams in a Lean environment. Strong focus on DOE, troubleshooting, and mentoring operators in molding best practices.