Quality Engineer - Injection Molding
Salary: Up to $85,000
Location: NW Chicago Suburbs
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled Quality Engineer with expertise in injection molding to ensure product quality, optimize manufacturing processes, and maintain compliance with industry standards. This role will focus on defect prevention, process validation, and continuous improvement to enhance production efficiency and product reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality control processes specific to injection molding operations.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for defects related to molding processes.
- Work closely with production and engineering teams to optimize molding parameters, tooling performance, and material selection.
- Lead Process Validation, First Article Inspections (FAI), and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new and existing products.
- Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and other quality tools to monitor and improve injection molding processes.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other relevant quality management systems.
- Conduct internal and supplier audits to maintain high-quality standards and regulatory compliance.
- Develop and implement Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams to mitigate risk.
- Train operators and technicians on quality standards, defect identification, and proper handling of molded components.
- Maintain detailed quality documentation and reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and non-conformance trends.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in quality engineering within an injection molding environment.
- Strong knowledge of plastics processing, mold design, and material properties.
- Proficiency in quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and blueprint reading.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other relevant quality standards.
- Proficiency in MS Office, Minitab, or other statistical analysis software.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Lean Manufacturing.
- Experience in automotive, medical, or consumer product injection molding.
- Knowledge of ERP/MES systems related to quality tracking.
