Vulcanization Process Engineer

Vibracoustic; Morganfield (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401K Match

Vacation

Family Insurance Plan

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Vibracoustic USA Inc. in Kentucky is hiring a Vulcanization Process Engineer to develop and mature vulcanization processes from molding trials to serial production. You will define critical process parameters and lead trials, analyses, and handovers to production.

The role requires a bachelor’s in engineering and 5+ years in automotive rubber molding or vulcanization, with strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and SPC. On-site position with manufacturing teams and cross-functional collaboration.

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.

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

Data-driven decision making

Technical ownership

Structured problem solving

Team coordination

Education

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

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

Capability studies

Job description

Vibracoustic is a leading global automotive supplier, providing customized solutions that add comfort to mobility by reducing noise and vibration in vehicles.

As part of the Freudenberg Group, we foster an innovative and forward-thinking mindset. We are looking for proactive and entrepreneurial team players who are curious, and motivated to grow.

At Vibracoustic, you will enjoy a safe and collaborative environment and global opportunities. Ready to drive comfort with us?

Morganfield, KY
evansville, IN
On-Site
Vibracoustic USA Inc.

You support our team as

Vulcanization Process Engineer

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.

Some of your Benefits

• Health Insurance: Rely on comprehensive services whenever you need it.
• 401K Match: Save for retirement with the company's help.
• Vacation: We offer time off to refresh and recharge.
• Family Insurance Plan: All-important health protection for self, spouse and eligible children.
• Paid Holidays: With paid-time off, local holidays are all the way more relaxing.

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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.