Description
We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with strong expertise in plastic injection tooling & molding processes.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in defining, optimizing, and validating molding parameters, reviewing and approving tooling designs, selecting appropriate resin materials, and diagnosing process-related defects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for supplier quality plastic injection molded components from development through mass production
- Review, evaluate, and approve tooling design (mold design) together with Engineering team to ensure manufacturability, quality, and process robustness
- Collaborate with Engineering & suppliers on mold flow analysis, gate location, cooling layout, venting, and shrinkage considerations
- Evaluate and approve supplier injection molding processes, including parameter setup and process controls
- Determine and validate optimal molding parameters
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for molding defects (e.g., sink marks, warpage, short shots, flash, burn marks, cracks, breakage)
- Assess and ensure correct resin material selection based on product requirements and application
- Conduct supplier audits focusing on molding process capability, tooling condition, and quality systems
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance yield, reduce variation, and improve process stability
- Responsible for review and approve PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC data from suppliers.
Technical Requirements:
- Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding processes and tooling design principles
- Experience in tool design review, including:
- Gate type and location selection
- Runner system (hot runner / cold runner)
- Cooling channel design and effectiveness
- Venting and air traps
- Ejection system design
- Shrinkage and warpage considerations
- Deep understanding of critical process parameters:
- Melt temperature, mold temperature
- Injection speed and pressure
- Holding/packing pressure and time
- Cooling time and cycle optimization etc
- Ability to determine process windows and understand parameter variation impact
- Experience diagnosing molding defects and linking them to root causes
- Knowledge of resin materials (ABS, PC, PP, Nylon, etc.)
- Familiarity with scientific molding, decoupled molding, and/or DOE
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or related field)
- 8+ years of experience in supplier quality or process engineering with injection molding focus
- Proven experience in tooling design and process parameter review/approval with suppliers (MUST)
- Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers
- Strong problem-solving skills (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, DOE)
- Knowledge of quality standards
- Willingness to travel to supplier sites
- Must be Effective in communication and reporting
Benefits:
- Outstanding medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
- Pet insurance, 401K match, life insurance, incentive programs, paid time off
- On-site massages, phenomenal work-life balance, and employee discounts