Injection Molding Development Engineer
Job description
About the role
This role owns the complete lifecycle of injection molding development for high volume production parts, translating design intent into robust manufacturing processes. You will plan, build, and ship injection molding development work while coordinating tightly with cross-functional teams to standardize processes and validate equipment. The position drives design for manufacturing initiatives, ensuring part and mold designs are optimized for efficient and reliable production. You will ensure strict compliance with all quality standards and company policies for every molding operation under your responsibility. This role leverages scientific molding principles and advanced process monitoring tools to stabilize production conditions and eliminate variation. You will serve as a key contributor to DFM efforts, translating complex requirements into practical and scalable manufacturing solutions. The position requires hands-on leadership in technical problem solving, using data-driven decisions to resolve challenges and improve yields. You will work closely with automation and robotics systems to support equipment integration and long-term process stability.
Key facts
What you'll do
Establish and maintain scientific molding methodology by defining processing windows, creating monitoring strategies, and implementing process control plans for high volume production.
Lead design for manufacturing activities as a key contributor to part and mold DFM efforts, evaluating designs for manufacturability, risk, and production efficiency.
Ensure full compliance with all relevant quality standards, customer requirements, and internal company policies for molding, testing, and documentation.
Perform root cause analysis on molding defects and process variations using structured problem solving and data analysis to drive corrective and preventive actions.
Execute mold flow analysis and scientific molding trials to optimize cavity balance, packing parameters, and cycle times while minimizing scrap and dimensional variation.
Validate tooling and equipment readiness through process development trials, establishing baseline parameters, acceptance criteria, and standardized work instructions.
Operate and adjust injection molding machines, robotics, and automation systems to maintain stable production, high first article quality, and efficient throughput.
Apply lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies (Green/Black Belt preferred), and statistical process control to identify waste, reduce variation, and drive continuous improvement.
Own project timelines and cross-functional coordination, leading complex initiatives from concept through scale up and full production launch.
Communicate technical decisions, test results, and process changes clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders during planning and reviews.
Support qualification and release activities, including first article inspection, dimensional studies, and material certification reviews to ensure successful transfer to production.
Collaborate with global vendors and tooling partners to resolve design and process issues, leveraging advanced tooling technologies and best practices.
Implement and maintain documentation for procedures, standards, and process controls to ensure consistency, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
Champion continuous improvement by applying data driven methods to reduce defects, lower cycle times, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
Partner with operations and maintenance teams to troubleshoot equipment, refine automation, and sustain long term production stability.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field is mandatory for this role.
At least 5 years of experience in injection molding process development, tooling, and manufacturing with a focus on tight tolerance, precision injection molding is required.
Proficiency in CAD software, with preference for Auto-CAD Inventor, is required for design and documentation tasks.
Strong understanding of polymer materials, mold construction, and processing parameters for engineering resins such as PEI, PBT, and PC/ABS is required.
Expertise in scientific molding techniques, mold flow analysis, and process validation methodologies is mandatory for process optimization.
Hands-on experience with injection molding machines, robotics, and automation systems is required for equipment and process work.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies (Green/Black Belt preferred), and SPC is required for continuous improvement.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills are required to lead complex initiatives.
Effective communication and teamwork abilities are required for cross-functional collaboration.
US Conec requires roles to be filled by individuals authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The position operates within company policies, quality standards, and team expectations for manufacturing and engineering.
Practical notes
US Conec requires roles to be filled by individuals authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The position operates within company policies, quality standards, and team expectations for manufacturing and engineering.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
This role focuses on plastics engineering and precision injection molding in a industrial manufacturing setting.
The position relies on scientific molding, mold flow analysis, and data driven process decisions to solve technical challenges.
Advanced tooling technologies, global vendors, and automation systems are part of the daily work context.
Collaboration across engineering, operations, and maintenance teams drives process improvements and production stability.
Continuous improvement methods such as lean principles and Six Sigma are commonly used to reduce variation and defects.