Vulcanization Process Engineer

freudenberg; Morganfield (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group is seeking a seasoned engineer to own vulcanization process development from molding trials through serial production in a manufacturing setting in the United States. The role requires defining process parameters, leading Run@Rate and capability studies, and ensuring a smooth handover to production.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline and 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with knowledge of APQP/PPAP, PFMEA, and SPC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, Materials, Polymer, or Industrial Engineering.
• Five+ years of relevant manufacturing experience preferred, automotive rubber molding or vulcanization is a plus.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC and capability studies.
• Experience launching or industrializing new processes, molds, tooling, or production equipment.
• Data-driven decision making and disciplined experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Own vulcanization process development from molding trials through PPAP and serial production.
• Define, document, and validate temperature, pressure, cure time, injection, transfer timing, mold venting, and flash-control parameters.
• Lead process trials, Run@Rate, capability studies, launch readiness reviews, and structured handover to production.
• Create and maintain Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plan, work instructions, parameter standards, and reaction plans.
• Monitor and improve OEE, output, FPY, scrap, cycle time, and critical-to-quality capability.
• Investigate curing, dimensional, durability, short-shot, flash, and material-flow concerns using structured problem solving.
• Coordinate with Product Engineering, Quality, Tooling, Automation, Maintenance, Production, suppliers, and customer teams.
• Support mold interchangeability, backup-process validation, contingency planning, and replication of validated settings to additional cells.
• Train operators and technicians on process controls, defect recognition, escalation criteria, and recovery standards.
• Drive continuous improvement while protecting safety, product integrity, and customer requirements.

Skills

Process engineering

Problem solving

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, Materials, Polymer, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

Capability studies

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities

• Own vulcanization process development from molding trials through PPAP and serial production.
• Define, document, and validate temperature, pressure, cure time, injection, transfer timing, mold venting, and flash-control parameters.
• Lead process trials, Run@Rate, capability studies, launch readiness reviews, and structured handover to production.
• Create and maintain Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plan, work instructions, parameter standards, and reaction plans.
• Monitor and improve OEE, output, FPY, scrap, cycle time, and critical-to-quality capability.
• Investigate curing, dimensional, durability, short-shot, flash, and material-flow concerns using structured problem solving.
• Coordinate with Product Engineering, Quality, Tooling, Automation, Maintenance, Production, suppliers, and customer teams.
• Support mold interchangeability, backup-process validation, contingency planning, and replication of validated settings to additional cells.
• Train operators and technicians on process controls, defect recognition, escalation criteria, and recovery standards.
• Drive continuous improvement while protecting safety, product integrity, and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, Materials, Polymer, or Industrial Engineering.
• Five or more years of relevant manufacturing experience; automotive rubber molding or vulcanization strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, capability studies, and structured problem solving.
• Experience launching or industrializing new processes, molds, tooling, or production equipment.
• Ability to analyze process data and convert findings into controlled technical standards.
• Technical ownership and disciplined experimentation.
• Data-driven decision making.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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