Injection Molding Process Engineer

Applied Medical•Lake Forest, CA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Medical is seeking an Injection Molding Process Engineer, also known as a manufacturing process engineer or plastics process engineer, to maintain the injection molding process behind our plastic and polymer based medical device components, from mold qualification through full scale production. This role combines hands on machine operation, scientific molding methodology, and design of experiments (DOE) to build processes that hold up under production volume. The Injection Molding Process Engineer runs point on troubleshooting, validation, and continuous improvement, and works directly with tooling, engineering, and production teams to keep every mold performing at its best.

Requirements

Holds a bachelor's degree in plastics engineering, polymer engineering, or a related technical discipline, or brings an equivalent combination of education and industry experience.
Brings two or more years of experience supporting injection molding or plastics manufacturing processes.
Operates injection molding machines hands on, from start up through shutdown, including robot setup and mold setup.
Troubleshoots molding related quality and production issues involving material, machine, mold, and auxiliary equipment.
Applies knowledge of mold concepts, including gate and runner design, parting lines, die draw, draft angle, and ejectors.
Leads projects and manages multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
Documents processes clearly, writing protocols, reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Conducts root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing quality issues.

Nice To Haves

Brings medical device manufacturing experience.
Holds a scientific molding certification, such as RJG Master Molder I or II, or brings equivalent process development experience.
Applies design of experiments (DOE) and process characterization methods.
Uses Minitab or other statistical analysis software for process capability studies.
Brings experience with liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or silicone molding.
Brings tooling, mold design, mold qualification, or mold maintenance experience.
Applies knowledge of Moldflow or other molding simulation software.
Holds a Lean Six Sigma certification.
Brings SAP, PLM, or ERP system experience.

Responsibilities

Develops, optimizes, and sustains injection molding processes for thermoplastic and polymer based medical device components, establishing robust processing windows through scientific molding principles, the six step study method, and design of experiments (DOE).
Operates injection molding machines hands on, from start up through shutdown, including robot setup, mold setup, and end of arm tooling (EOAT) programming.
Leads root cause investigations of molding related defects and partners with technicians and production teams to resolve processing challenges.
Leads process validation activities, including installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) protocols, and supports new product introductions and equipment installations.
Collaborates with tooling engineers and mold makers to optimize mold performance and participates in mold design reviews and tool improvement projects.
Monitors process capability using statistical methods and leads projects focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, downtime reduction, and cost optimization.
Develops and maintains process specifications, molding recipes, work instructions, validation protocols, and engineering reports.
Mentors technicians and junior engineers and collaborates across cross functional teams.