Plastics Engineer (Precision Plastics)

Location: United States. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates moving to the Hickory, NC area. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Company

Global manufacturer of high-density fiber-optic connector solutions with expertise in precision engineering, injection molding, and plastics manufacturing.

What you will do

• Develop, validate, and optimize plastic injection molding processes for new and existing products.
• Lead mold trials, process qualification, validation, and production readiness activities.
• Analyze molding performance to improve quality, reduce scrap, shorten cycle times, and increase equipment effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Tooling, Product Development, Quality, and Manufacturing on mold design reviews, tooling changes, product launches, and corrective actions.
• Select and evaluate plastic materials and resins based on performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentorship while supporting capital projects involving molding equipment, automation, and process monitoring.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Polymer, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with plastic injection molding in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of polymer materials, resin behavior, mold design, and processing principles.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, Measurement R&R, root cause analysis, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Nice to have

• Scientific molding experience or RJG training/certification.
• Experience with mold qualification, validation, and process capability studies.
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, vision systems, auxiliary equipment, resin drying, hot runners, and process monitoring.
• Experience with 3D CAD, mold design reviews, metrology equipment, or vision inspection technologies.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training, and experience in medical device, telecommunications, precision plastics, or other high-volume, tight-tolerance manufacturing.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus potential.
• Four weeks of PTO, paid holidays, and employee recognition programs.
• Health, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) plan with employer match and planning resources.
• Collaborative, team-based culture with opportunities for community engagement and STEM outreach.
• Work with industry-leading technologies in precision injection molding, fiber-optic connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.