Manufacturing Engineer (Molding & Automation)

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes with a focus on injection molding, automation systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role supports production operations by improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance through process optimization, equipment implementation, automation projects, and root cause problem solving.  The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with molding operations, automated manufacturing systems, robotics, and lean manufacturing methodologies.

Job Requirements

Manufacturing Process Improvement
•    Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
•    Analyze process performance and identify opportunities to reduce scrap, downtime, and cycle times.
•    Lead continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
•    Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of production and quality issues.

Injection Molding Support
•    Support injection molding operations including process development, validation, and optimization.
•    Establish and maintain process parameters, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
•    Assist with mold qualification, process capability studies, and new product launches.
•    Collaborate with tooling suppliers and maintenance teams to improve mold performance and reliability.
•    Monitor molding performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.

Automation & Equipment Engineering
•    Lead automation initiatives to improve safety, labor efficiency, and production throughput.
•    Specify, procure, install, and validate automated equipment and robotic systems.
•    Develop equipment requirements, statements of work, and project justifications.
•    Coordinate equipment integration with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, conveyors, and ancillary equipment.
•    Support programming and troubleshooting of automated manufacturing systems.

Project Management
•    Manage capital projects from concept through production implementation.
•    Develop project timelines, budgets, and ROI analyses.
•    Coordinate activities with production, quality, maintenance, tooling, and suppliers.
•    Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

Quality & Compliance
•    Support PFMEA, Control Plans, process validations, and capability studies.
•    Participate in corrective and preventive action activities.
•    Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality management systems.
•    Assist with customer audits and quality investigations.

Documentation & Reporting
•    Generate and maintain manufacturing documentation, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
•    Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including efficiency, scrap, downtime, and yield.
•    Provide technical training and support to production personnel and technicians.

What your background should look like

Requirements

•    Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,  Industrial Engineering, or related field.
•    3-7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
•    Prior experience with injection molding, overmolding, insert molding, or similar molding processes.
•    Experience implementing or supporting factory automation systems.
•    Knowledge of process troubleshooting, statistical analysis, and root cause methodologies.
•    Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and manufacturing data analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience with robotics platforms such as FANUC, ABB, Universal Robots, Yaskawa, or Epson.
•    Familiarity with PLCs, HMI systems, sensors, and machine controls.
•    Understanding of scientific molding principles.
•    Experience with validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ).
•    Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certification.
•    Experience with vision inspection systems and automated assembly equipment.
•    CAD experience (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or similar).
•    Experience in electrical devices, automotive, consumer products, or industrial manufacturing environments.