Senior LSR/HCR Molding Engineer – Onsite Buffalo Grove

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Actalent in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks a Sr. Molding Engineer to develop and optimize LSR and HCR molding processes across multiple centers. You will drive cycle-time reductions, quality improvements, and robust process capability using DOE, SPC, and structured root-cause analysis.

The role requires hands-on leadership, collaboration with Tooling, Production, Quality, and NPI teams, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Onsite, permanent position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Plastics, or Polymer Engineering.
• 5+ years experience in silicone and/or rubber molding.
• Strong understanding of LSR injection, HCR molding, and compression and transfer molding.
• Proficiency in cure cycles, post-cure, material behavior, and tool design elements.
• Experience using DOE, SPC, and statistical tools for process improvement.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and specifications.
• Proven success in 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 and thermal control profiles.
• Perform process determination and DOE studies to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Establish and maintain standardized process parameter sheets, recipes, and work instructions.
• Provide daily technical support to address molding issues such as flash, short shots, and 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, cold runner or valve-gate LSR systems, and mold qualification.
• Drive improvements in cycle time, downtime, rework rates, material usage, and yield optimization.
• Participate in LEAN, Kaizen, 5S, and efficiency projects.
• Collaborate with NPI Engineering on feasibility reviews, new mold trials, and launch readiness.
• Communicate clearly with Production and Quality teams on process changes and improvement projects.

Skills

LSR molding

HCR molding

DOE

SPC

Root cause analysis

Training operators

Lean/5S/Kaizen

GD&T

CAD models

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Materials/Plastics/Polymer Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Mold flow analysis

Job description

Actalent in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks a Sr. Molding Engineer to develop and optimize LSR and HCR molding processes across multiple centers. You will drive cycle-time reductions, quality improvements, and robust process capability using DOE, SPC, and structured root-cause analysis.

The role requires hands-on leadership, collaboration with Tooling, Production, Quality, and NPI teams, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Onsite, permanent position.