Injection Molding Process Engineer ** Direct Hire **

Role details

Shift Availability: 1st shift: 7:00AM – 3:00PM

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Injection Molding Process Engineer to drive production efficiency and process performance on the manufacturing floor. This is a highly technical, floor-focused role where the primary mission is to optimize machine performance, maintain stable processes, and consistently achieve production and quality targets.

The ideal candidate brings strong troubleshooting skills, deep knowledge of plastic processing, and experience working in high-volume injection molding environments. We value practical expertise, process knowledge, and a proactive approach, a degree in this field is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Startups: Perform mold setups, process startups, and validations for new and existing production runs while ensuring first-piece quality approval.
• Process Optimization: Monitor and adjust molding parameters including temperature, pressure, injection speed, and flow to maintain process stability and product quality.
• Cycle Time Management: Audit active production jobs to ensure cycle times meet or exceed established standards; identify and resolve inefficiencies as needed.
• Scientific Molding: Use decoupling techniques (RJG or similar principles) to establish robust process windows that minimize scrap.
• Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnose and resolve molding defects such as flash, short shots, splay, sink, and warpage to maintain uninterrupted production.
• Continuous Improvement: Recommend and implement process, tooling, or equipment improvements that enhance productivity, repeatability, safety, and overall operational efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in an injection molding environment (Senior Technicians or Setup Leads looking to move up are encouraged to apply).
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of press operations (e.g., Krauss Maffei, Demag, Haitian, CH America, or Milacron) and auxiliary equipment (thermolators, dryers, robots).
• Material Knowledge: Solid understanding of how different resins (PP, HDPE, ABS, PC, etc.) behave under pressure and heat.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to pull molds, perform basic tool maintenance, and assist the setup team when necessary.
• Results-Driven: A "get it done" attitude with a focus on hitting production numbers and maintaining a clean, organized floor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (Required).
• Certification in Scientific Injection Molding (AIM, RJG, or similar) is a plus but not required.
• Ability to stand/walk for 8+ hours and lift up to 50 lbs.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in an injection molding environment?

Ability to Commute:

• Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Required)

Work Location: In person