Senior RIM Process Engineer
Job Summary
Are you a hands-on technical expert in composite and polymer molding? We are seeking a Senior RIM/SMC Process Engineer to take complete end-to-end technical ownership of Reaction Injection Molding and Sheet Molding Compound processes. In this pivotal role within an industry-leading Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment, you will drive process development, stabilization, continuous improvement, and new program launches.
Responsibilities
- Develop, validate, and stabilize RIM and SMC molding processes
- Support APQP, PPAP, and launch activities
- Lead structured problem-solving (PPSR, 8D) to resolve quality and material issues
- Apply SPC to monitor key quality variables
- Drive yield improvements and manage technical projects
- Train and mentor operators and technicians
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- 5+ years of process engineering experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing
- Strong background in RIM and SMC composite processing
- Deep understanding of material behavior, cure chemistry, and surface quality
- Expertise in root cause analysis tools (8D, PPSR, SPC, 5-Why)
Job Details
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Advantages
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary package ranging from $90,000 to $120,000/year plus comprehensive benefits.
- Career Growth: High-visibility "Advancement Opportunity" position with direct impact on production stability and innovation.
- Dynamic Work Environment: Work alongside a collaborative team supporting world-class automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
- Continuous Improvement Focus: Opportunity to lead capital projects, implement advanced SPC tools, and mentor engineering technicians.
Responsibilities
- Process Ownership: Develop, validate, and stabilize RIM and SMC molding processes for new launches, updated tooling, and ongoing high-volume production.
- Quality & Launch Support: Support APQP/GCAR, PPAP, run-at-rate, and launch activities to ensure full process capability and alignment with customer specifications.
- Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Lead structured problem-solving (PPSR, 8D) across molding and downstream interfaces to resolve paint, surface appearance, cure chemistry, and material variation issues.
- Data-Driven Quality Control: Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor key quality variables and maintain process stability.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with chemical, material, tooling, and equipment suppliers as well as internal downstream teams to optimize process performance.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive yield improvements, cycle time reductions, and overall cost-saving initiatives; manage capital/technical projects.
- Mentorship & Compliance: Train and mentor operators and technicians while ensuring total compliance with IATF 16949 standards.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer/Composite Technology, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience: 5+ years of process engineering experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing setting supporting OEMs.
- Technical Expertise: Strong background in Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), SMC composite processing, or related polymer/composite manufacturing.
- Material & Chemical Knowledge: Deep understanding of material behavior, adhesion mechanisms, cure chemistry, solvent interaction, and surface quality.
- Problem-Solving: Proven expertise using structured root cause analysis tools (8D, PPSR, SPC, 5-Why).
- Soft Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, strong project management capability, and a self-starter mindset.