Talascend is currently seeking a Sr. Plastics Engineer - Tooling and Process for a contract opportunity located in Southfield, MI.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Be a significant contributor to a world-class vehicle engineering team by supporting with plastics tool expertise and owning polymer-related aspects from part design for manufacturing (DFM) phase to product launch. Consultation with design engineers and suppliers throughout product development process, advising on process and tooling feasibility, DFM, efficiency and cost. Evaluation of flow studies and mold designs before tool approval and kick-off. Ensuring plastic tooling is compliant with Tool Standards. Methodical approach to documentation. Support of internal non-engineering teams and representation of material team in communication with suppliers (incl. on-site visits).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: B.S.in polymer engineering or related field, or equivalent proven experience. 5+ years experience, evaluating DFM and injection molding tool designs. Excellent knowledge of injection tooling, including technologies such as in-mold decoration, foaming, overmolding, back-injection, vario-thermal processes. Experience with DFM process for automotive A-surface parts. Experience with flow simulation software (Autodesk MoldFlow). Proven hands-on experience with plastic injection molding process, including process optimization. Exemplary verbal and written communication skills. Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% if needed.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Worked in automotive development environment, ideally through complete product development process. Hands-on experience with creation of MoldFlow studies, first tool trials, and tool approvals. Experience with tool should costing to understand tool cost impact of part design choices. Experience with other plastic manufacturing processes and their tooling (e.g. blow molding, thermal forming, vacuum forming, compression molding, slush molding).