MANUFACTURING ENGINEER – PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with strong experience in plastic injection molding, automation, process development, equipment troubleshooting, and manufacturing systems. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for optimizing molding processes, supporting production operations, implementing automation and inspection systems, and ensuring manufacturing processes are documented, validated, and continuously improved.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop, optimize, and maintain plastic injection molding processes and secondary manufacturing operations for labware market and packaging industry.
• Support and provide technical training to setup technicians, molding technicians, manufacturing supervisors, and production personnel and maintenance staff.
• Develop, update, and maintain manufacturing documentation, including:
o Mold process books
o Work instructions
o Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
o Equipment operating procedures and manuals
o Process validation documentation
o Product development and manufacturing documentation validation
• Support process validation, APQP, process evaluations, and quality system requirements for new and existing products.
• Work closely with the Tooling and Quality departments to design, manufacture, and implement QC inspection fixtures and measurement systems.
• Support QA/QC, assembly, maintenance, and production as needed to resolve manufacturing and quality issues.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new equipment, automation, and process improvements to increase production efficiency, quality, and capacity.
• Develop and program robot EOAT (End-of-Arm Tooling) and automation systems for new and existing products.
• Program and implement laser marking systems for product identification and barcode applications.
• Program and integrate vision inspection systems into production and QA/QC operations.
• Troubleshoot and maintain manufacturing and facility equipment, including:
o Plastic injection molding machines
o Automation equipment
o Air compressors
o Cooling towers and water-cooling systems
o Material dryers
o Material loading systems
o Material blenders
• Support the installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing-related computer systems, product labeling, and network connectivity.
• Create and maintain product label files and support production labeling requirements.
• Analyze production processes and implement continuous improvement, automation, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Work with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot production issues and improve machine utilization, cycle time, scrap, quality, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and equipment comply with company quality and safety requirements.
• May telecommute and may be assigned to various unanticipated worksite locations.
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REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or industry experience in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer or in a related engineering/manufacturing occupation in injection molding.
• Hands-on experience in plastic injection molding, automation, robotics, process development, and manufacturing equipment troubleshooting.
• Able to set up molds and auxiliary equipment
• Experience working in a production manufacturing environment with strong knowledge of process improvement and quality systems.
Required Technical Skills
Demonstrated proficiency in the following:
Injection Molding
• Able to program injection molding machine programming and troubleshooting.
• Plastic injection molding process development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Mold setup, process development, and cycle optimization.
• Development and documentation of molding processes for new and existing products.
Automation & Robotics
• Development and programming of takeout robot EOAT and automation applications.
• Integration and troubleshooting of automated production equipment.
• Experience with 3-axis robots and automated manufacturing systems.
Vision Inspection & Laser Marking
• KEYENCE CV-X vision inspection software and systems.
• Programming and implementation of automated vision inspection systems.
• Marking Builder software and WORX Station.
• Programming and implementation of laser marking systems for product identification and barcodes.
PLC & Controls
• Troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing and automation equipment.
Manufacturing Documentation & Quality
• Create, update, and maintain mold process books for new and existing products.
• Develop work instructions, SOPs, and equipment operating manuals.
• Document manufacturing processes, process evaluations, and validation activities.
• Develop and maintain APQP protocols and related manufacturing documentation.
• Develop EOAT programs and documentation for automation applications.
• Support quality investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
ERP / Computer Systems
• Experience with Sage 100 or similar ERP system helpful.
• Ability to create and maintain product label files.
• Basic computer networking and manufacturing system troubleshooting skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with automated inspection and quality control systems.
• Knowledge of injection molding tooling, molds, hot runners, cooling systems, and mold maintenance.
• Ability to read electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical drawings.
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with Production, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
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