Manufacturing Process Engineer - Rubber & Polymers
Job Description
Job Description
Manufacturing Process Engineer – Rubber & Polymers
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Process Engineer with deep expertise in rubber and polymer processing, including elastomers, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding, thermoset rubber, rubber extrusion, and rubber compounding. This role focuses on automotive applications and requires experience in optimizing and troubleshooting manufacturing processes used to produce precision polymer-based components such as seals, gaskets, hoses, vibration control parts, and custom rubber profiles. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in enhancing process efficiency, product quality, and compliance with industry standards like IATF 16949.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and optimize high-precision manufacturing processes for rubber and polymer materials, including LSR molding, thermoset rubber molding, extrusion, and compounding to support the production of advanced automotive components.
- Establish and validate process parameters for polymer molding and extrusion operations, including material selection, tooling, curing profiles, and die specifications tailored to automotive performance requirements.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to mold performance, flow behavior, cure cycles, dimensional accuracy, and surface defects in polymer-based components.
- Collaborate with design, tooling, quality, and production teams to successfully launch new automotive products and improve existing rubber and polymer processes.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for defects such as flash, voids, dimensional variation, and extrusion inconsistencies.
- Create and maintain technical documentation including SOPs, process flow charts, and PFMEAs in line with automotive quality and polymer processing standards.
- Select and qualify elastomeric and polymeric materials (including LSR, FKM, EPDM, NBR, and other engineered polymers) based on OEM specifications, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals.
- Drive process improvements using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets for polymer-based production.
- Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards, including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to rubber and polymer manufacturing.
- Provide technical support for troubleshooting equipment and preventive maintenance of molding and extrusion systems to maximize uptime and process reliability.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with a focus on polymers or rubber technology preferred.
- 5+ years of experience as a Manufacturing Process Engineer in a rubber or polymer manufacturing environment, working with elastomers, LSR, thermosets, or compounded polymers.
- Proven experience with molding technologies including compression molding, transfer molding, LSR injection, and extrusion processes for polymeric materials.
- Strong understanding of polymer and rubber compounding, rheology, and how material behavior affects processing and performance in automotive systems.
- Familiarity with automotive documentation and quality systems (e.g., PPAP, APQP, control plans, SPC).
- Skilled in troubleshooting production defects, improving cycle times, and optimizing high-volume polymer manufacturing processes.
- Proficient with CAD and engineering software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CREO); experience with process simulation is a plus.
- Strong communication and analytical skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with robotics and automation in polymer molding and extrusion lines.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
- Knowledge of OEM validation requirements for automotive rubber and polymer components.
- Experience working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive suppliers.
Work Environment:
- Full-time, onsite role in a fast-paced, high-tech rubber and polymer manufacturing facility.
Compensation:
- Salary: $100,000 – $140,000+
- Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, 401(k), and medical/dental/vision insurance.
Other engineering roles available nationwide: Industrial Automation, Robotics, Controls, etc.
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