Job Description
Job Description
About Company:
At Grand Rapids Controls (GRC), we are passionate about innovation, teamwork, and delivering high-quality products that make a global impact. Since 1968, we’ve been at the forefront of developing and producing cutting-edge motion control systems and mechanical cables, handles, and actuators.
As a leader in our industry, we pride ourselves on creating a culture of collaboration, growth, and integrity. Our core values—Lasting Relationships, Live with Integrity, Celebrate, Be Accountable, and Be Curious—guide every decision we make, from the way we treat our employees to the way we engage with our customers.
At GRC, we don’t just hire for skills; we hire for passion, drive, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, bring new ideas to life, or work alongside a team that values each contribution, we offer a supportive and dynamic environment where you can thrive.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Plan, direct, and optimize plastic injection molding processes to produce parts that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production efficiency targets. Provide technical leadership in molding processes, mold tooling performance, and process troubleshooting to ensure safe, stable, and repeatable production
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may be assigned.
Process Engineering
- Develop, evaluate, improve, and monitor injection molding processes to ensure part quality, cycle time efficiency, and process stability.
- Establish and document robust process parameters using scientific molding principles.
- Troubleshoot molding defects and process variation through structured root cause analysis.
- Estimate cycle times and process capabilities to support staffing, production planning, and cost estimates.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure production meet operational and customer requirements.
Mold Tooling & Sampling
- Lead mold sampling, qualification, and validation activities for new and existing tooling.
- Provide technical guidance on mold design considerations including gating, venting, cooling, steel selection, and part ejection.
- Work with toolmakers, engineers, and mold vendors to diagnose tooling-related processing issues.
- Recommend mold modifications to improve process stability, cycle time, part quality, or mold life.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Confer with customers and internal departments (Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance) to ensure efficient production methods and successful program launches.
- Support new product launches by developing robust molding processes and participating in mold design and tooling reviews.
- Determine molding equipment, material, and tooling requirements to meet product specifications.
- Evaluate products and processes for conformance to specifications, quality standards, and customer expectations.
Leadership & Technical Development
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to set-up technicians, leads and manufacturing team members.
- Develop and maintain processing standards, documentation, and training materials.
- Lead training initiatives and support technical skill development within the molding team.
- Supervise Team Leads responsible for molding operations.
- Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and support employee development.
- Partner with manufacturing leadership to set expectations, address performance concerns, and reinforce operational standards.
Safety, Quality, and Operational Support
- Stop production when a quality concern, machine malfunction, or safety risk is identified.
- Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering to resolve safety or equipment concerns in a timely manner.
- Stay current on advancements in molding technology, plastics materials, processing methods, and molding equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Education / Experience
- Degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant injection molding experience.
- RJG Master Molder or equivalent scientific molding certification (Strongly Preferred)
- 3–5+ years experience in injection molding process development or troubleshooting
- Experience with mold sampling, validation, and tooling evaluation
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of injection molding processes and defect troubleshooting
- Working knowledge of mold design fundamentals (gating, venting, cooling, part ejection)
- Experience with scientific molding techniques and process validation
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and mold designs
Leadership Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor technical teams in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to coach team members and address performance or behavioral concerns professionally
Skills
- Strong problem solving and root cause analysis skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across production, engineering, quality, and leadership teams
- Ability to mentor and train technical staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.