Sr. Equipment Engineer, Injection Molding

About the role

This position serves as the critical technical authority responsible for the reliability and performance of injection molding systems supporting the Starlink program. You will own the complex integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems to ensure continuous production of mission-critical components. The role requires independent decision-making to manage the full lifecycle of equipment from initial failure diagnosis through final production validation. You will act as the primary escalation point for intricate machinery issues that impact manufacturing throughput. Ownership extends to leading cross-functional improvement projects that enhance capability and reduce long-term operational risk. This position demands a hands-on engineer who can translate production data into actionable mechanical and electrical solutions. You will standardize best practices and documentation to elevate the technical maturity of the entire equipment team. Ultimately, your work will directly impact the launch cadeline by ensuring the molding processes remain robust and highly available.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate the end-to-end management of injection molding projects, guiding them from initial concept discussions through detailed fabrication and final production launch.
• Assume leadership responsibility for diagnosing and resolving the most complex failures affecting molding machines and their associated peripheral systems.
• Drive rigorous root cause analysis initiatives to eliminate recurring process, equipment, and behavioral issues at the system level.
• Champion optimization efforts aimed at maximizing production availability and refining cycle times through sophisticated improvement strategies.
• Execute hands-on repairs and modifications that involve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluid, and control system components.
• Interface proactively with internal reliability, tool, and automation engineering teams to coordinate and implement capital upgrades seamlessly.
• Analyze historical maintenance data to develop and update preventative maintenance schedules designed to minimize future downtime.
• Partner with quality assurance, procurement, and production leadership to identify and eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks that hinder output.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and technical documentation to ensure equipment specifications align with production requirements and reliability goals.
• Maintain a high standard of safety and regulatory compliance within the manufacturing environment during all maintenance and improvement activities.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in mechanical design for complex assemblies.
• Bring a minimum of 5 years of direct experience working with industrial injection molding machines.
• Demonstrate at least 5 years of hands-on experience with injection molding peripheral equipment and supporting systems.
• Maintain U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee, or asylee status to adhere to ITAR compliance requirements.
• Exhibit the ability to travel up to 25% of the time for business-related production support.
• Show willingness to work weekend shifts and extended hours to address critical production or equipment issues.
• Acknowledge that the work environment includes exposure to industrial noise, operational odors, and process fumes.
• Accept that occasional duties will require working in confined spaces as part of maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.

Nice to have

• Direct experience processing TPE, Nylon, and Polycarbonate materials within a molding environment.
• In-depth knowledge of injection molding cooling systems and their impact on part quality and cycle efficiency.
• Background in custom machine design encompassing motors, actuators, linear rails, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Familiarity with and usage of ERP, MRP, and CMMS software platforms for asset management.
• Proficiency in designing mechanical systems utilizing both 3D CAD modeling and 2D drafting standards.
• Understanding of GD&T standards to interpret and apply geometric tolerances effectively.
• Hands-on machining experience with CNC and manual mills or lathes for part fabrication and repair.
• Experience in sizing structural and mechanical components for load, stress, and dynamic performance.

Practical notes

• This role requires U.S. citizenship or equivalent legal authorization due to ITAR regulations.
• Travel is expected up to 25% of the time, which may include visits to production floors or vendor facilities.
• Availability for weekend and extended hour shifts is mandatory to ensure continuous production support.
• The work setting involves industrial conditions with noise, potential chemical odors, and fumes present.
• Employees may be required to perform tasks in confined spaces during equipment maintenance or inspections.