Key Responsibilities: Process Engineering:
- Provide hands-on support for daily molding operations, monitoring process efficiency and resolving performance issues.
- Conduct mold trials, material validations, and process qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ).
- Perform root cause analysis and corrective action for defects such as short shots, flash, or burn marks.
- Apply scientific molding principles to develop and optimize molding parameters.
- Collaborate with tooling and maintenance teams to resolve equipment or mold issues.
Project Coordination:
- Manage tooling and process development for new product launches and improvements.
- Coordinate procurement, qualification, and implementation of molds, presses, and auxiliary equipment.
- Maintain project timelines and ensure delivery of tools and production readiness milestones.
- Liaise with vendors and internal teams on mold fabrication, modification, and repairs.
Continuous Improvement:
- Document and standardize processes through setup instructions, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
- Support or lead lean initiatives, kaizen events, and scrap reduction programs.
- Partner with quality and production teams to ensure compliance with internal and customer standards.
- Train production staff and technicians on molding procedures and process improvements.
Qualifications: Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Plastics, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or related technical field preferred.
- 3-7 years of hands-on injection molding experience in a manufacturing setting.
- RJG Master Molder I/II or AIM certification is highly preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong understanding of injection molding machines, tools, materials, and auxiliary equipment.
- Proficient in scientific molding, root cause analysis, and design of experiments (DOE).
- Ability to read technical drawings and use precision measurement tools.
- Working knowledge of CAD/CAM and manufacturing software.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment and spending time on the manufacturing floor.
Working Conditions:
- Role split between engineering office and production floor.
- Requires comfort in high-noise, high-heat environments typical of molding operations.
- Occasional travel for vendor visits or training seminars.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and bend regularly.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Frequent interaction near operating machinery.
Benefits: Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics. Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Vision Insurance : Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st. Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification. Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.