Injection Molding - R&D Engineer

Our Tier 1 Automotive Supplier client is seeking qualified applicants for the role of Injection Molding - R&D Engineer. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting plastic manufacturing processes. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation of new products and improvements to existing processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plastics engineering, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for driving continuous improvement and highly capable processes.

Responsibilities:

Process Development

Lead the development and optimization of plastic manufacturing processes, including injection molding, extrusion, and other relevant processes.

Collaborate with R&D teams to translate product requirements into scalable and efficient manufacturing processes.

Tooling Design and Optimization

Collaborate in the design and optimization of tooling and molds to enhance process efficiency and product quality.

Work closely with tooling vendors to ensure the timely and cost-effective production of high-quality molds.

Troubleshooting

Identify and address issues related to process variability, quality defects, and equipment malfunctions. Use a scientific approach to molding and extrusion process development.

Implement corrective actions and preventative measures to ensure continuous improvement.

Material Selection and Testing

Collaborate with material scientists and suppliers to select appropriate polymers and additives.

Conduct material testing and analysis to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.

Documentation

Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of process development activities, including process parameters, specifications, and test results.

Generate and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing processes.

Collaboration

Work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, design, and production, to ensure seamless integration of processes.

Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to drive innovation and stay current with industry trends.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Proven experience (2-5 years) in plastics process development, with expertise in injection molding, extrusion or other relevant processes. Recent graduates with at least one internship in a plastics will also be considered.

Strong knowledge of plastic materials, additives, and processing parameters.

Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to troubleshooting.

Familiarity with quality management systems and industry standards.

Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.