Company Description

The Rubber Injection Molding Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining the rubber injection molding processes to ensure consistent production of high-quality elastomeric No-Hub Gaskets. This role supports manufacturing operations by improving cycle times, reducing scrap, and ensuring process stability, while collaborating with cross-functional teams on tooling, materials, and product development.

Job Description

1. Develop and optimize rubber injection molding processes for new and existing products.
2. Set up and validate rubber molding machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment.
3. Troubleshoot molding issues such as flash, short shots, gas trapping, cure inconsistencies, and part deformation.
4. Collaborate with tooling sources and compound development teams to ensure compatibility of mold design and rubber formulations.
5. Develop the machine, injection tooling, and auxiliary equipment Preventive Maintenance program. Collaborate with the Plant Reliability Coordinator to ensure program timing and activities are developed and documented per equipment supplier, industry, and internal best practices.
6. Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle times, and improve part quality.
7. Maintain accurate documentation of process parameters, trials, and validations.
8. Train operators and technicians on rubber molding best practices and safety procedures. Create and implement work instructions and controls plans as needed.
9. Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and production issues.  Familiar with RCA tools such as 8D, Fishbone, 5-Why, etc.
10. Participate in new product development, mold trials, and scale-up activities.
11. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards specific to rubber processing.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Rubber Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
2. 3–5 years of experience in injection molding process engineering, preferably in an industrial or automotive setting.
3. Experience with rubber compound behavior, mold design, and curing systems.
4. Certification in rubber processing or molding (e.g., from ACS Rubber Division or similar) is advantageous.
5. In-depth knowledge of injection molding processes, materials, and tooling.
6. Strong knowledge of injection mold design, injection mold functions and movements, mold venting, and mold cooling.
7. Familiarity with rubber curing behavior, rubber mold venting and vacuum systems, and temperature control systems a plus.
8. Experience with scientific molding principles and statistical process control (SPC).
9. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, mold designs, and material specifications.
10. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
11. Proficient in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software (e.g., ERP, MES).
12. Proficient in Solidworks or Draftsite CAD software.
13. Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
14. Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other relevant quality systems is a plus.
15. Familiarity with interpreting and using ASTM, FMVSS, or other relevant industry standards a plus.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.