JL Clark · 4 months ago
Process Engineer-Plastics
Rockford, IL, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$65K/yr - $70K/yr
5+ years expJ.L. Clark is a packaging company with over 120 years of experience, committed to quality, service, and innovation in packaging technology. The Process Engineer will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting plastic injection molding processes, collaborating with various teams to improve production efficiency and support new product introductions.
Brand MarketingManufacturingPackaging ServicesProduct Design
Responsibilities
Develop, document, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing molds
Provide technical leadership and hands-on support to Process Technicians and Molding Operators
Analyze process data and implement improvements to reduce cycle times, scrap rates, and downtime
Lead process validation activities, including DOE, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, and capability studies
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including GMP/SQF where applicable
Partner with Quality, Tooling, Maintenance, and Production teams to resolve part defects and mold issues
Evaluate mold performance and recommend tooling improvements
Support predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to improve uptime and reliability
Collaborate with Project Management to support new product development and upgrades to molding, automation, and downstream packaging systems
Integrate high-speed molding cells with robotics, vision inspection, and downstream high-speed packaging systems
Assist in selecting, installing, and commissioning injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment
Implement automation improvements and labor optimization strategies
Lead and participate in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve OEE and reduce waste
Conduct labor studies, cycle time analysis, and process capability improvements
Drive significant cost savings through CI projects utilizing a Six Sigma Project Charter
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
High-speed injection molding experience required, specifically in thin-wall packaging applications with extremely fast cycle times
Experience developing scientific molding processes from the ground up
Experience conducting DOE studies to validate and optimize molding parameters
Experience with mold trials, start-up procedures, and process troubleshooting
Experience integrating molding cells with robotics, vision inspection, and downstream packaging systems
At least 5 years of practical experience in plastic injection molding within a manufacturing setting
Experience with validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) in regulated manufacturing environments
Understanding of SPC, with the ability to read control charts and improve process capabilities
Knowledge of polypropylene, polyethylene, and other thin-wall packaging-grade resins, including shrinkage, flow, and cooling behavior
Strong understanding of OEE with the ability to track and drive improvements
Collaborates effectively with tooling, quality, maintenance, and operations personnel
Proficiency in statistical process control and root cause analysis
Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with ERP and MES systems
Preferred
Continuous Improvement Green Belt certification preferred
CI experience leading a significant cost-saving project utilizing a Six Sigma Project Charter
Formal training or certifications in scientific molding or RJG technology preferred
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification advantageous
Company
JL Clark
J.L. Clark is a domestic packaging manufacturer offering highly decorated metal and plastic packaging designed to enhance leading consumer brands.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase