Cascade Engineering

Process Engineer

Cascade Engineering$70K — $104K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience in plastics processing or related field
  • Strong understanding of plastic materials and their behavior under molding conditions
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and core competencies
  • Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

  • Lead the injection molding function to achieve production goals
  • Supervise and develop team members and ensure execution of molding standards
  • Identify root causes of process inefficiencies and implement solutions
  • Manage tooling budget and coordinate preventative maintenance
  • Administer process control systems to ensure stable production
  • Coordinate mold tryouts and support new product launches
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with company objectives

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance starting on Day 1
  • 401K with match starting on Day 1
  • Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Onsite Medical Clinic
  • Employee Assistance Program
Full Job Description
Description

Scope of Responsibility

As a Process Engineer, you'll be at the heart of our manufacturing operation-leading the injection molding function and driving the performance that keeps our plant running at its best. You'll own the results that matter most: delivering high-quality parts on time, hitting production targets, and pushing cycle times and scrap performance in the right direction.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on solving problems, improving processes, and leading from the front. You'll guide and develop technicians, keep processes optimized and running smoothly, and use data to continuously raise the bar on performance (think OEE, efficiency, and lean improvements).

You'll also play a key role in launching new products, working cross-functionally to make sure every new mold hits the floor ready for success from day one.

If you enjoy being hands-on, making a real impact on production results, and building a strong, high-performing team, this is your opportunity to lead, improve, and make your mark.

Location: Ron Jimmerson Plant at 5050 33rd St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49512

Shift: 1st shift

Target Pay: The target starting base salary for this position is $70,470 - $104,649.00 / year (plus quarterly bonus incentive). Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead the injection molding function for current production by guiding team to achieve all plant goals and objectives including:
    • Producing quality parts that meet all established criteria, on time, in the correct quantity and at optimal cycle times while beating scrap targets
    • Continuously improving cycle times (OEE Performance) and reducing scrap (OEE Scrap)
    • Owning and driving key performance metrics within the plant (mission room), in alignment with plant leadership
  • Lead, supervise, and develop Set Up Technicians and C-Tech employees to build technical capability and ensure consistent execution of molding standards
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing process performance, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and cost
  • Manage tooling budget and coordinate tooling preventative maintenance through EAM systems
  • Monitors auxiliary equipment needs and assist with quoting and procurement support quoting, justification, and procurement activities
  • Administer and maintain process control systems and procedures standards, and procedures to ensure repeatable and stable production
  • Submit work orders for maintenance and tooling requirements
  • Coordinate and support mold tryouts and processing activities
  • Provide and coordinate technical training to continuously develop team capability and improve process performance. Partner closely with the Technical Training Coordinator to support these efforts
  • Partner closely with Supply Chain Management (scheduling)
  • Write requisitions and support procurement processes
  • Actively participate in all phases of new product launches to ensure molding processes meet quality, cycle time, and scrap targets for flawless launch
  • Participate as a CES (Lean/CI) core team member and contribute to continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives
  • Attend leadership forums and complete required leadership training
  • Conduct product launch activities
  • Execute plant-level operational strategies and lead the development and execution of annual departmental goals and initiatives aligned with organizational objectives
  • Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives


Culture Bearer
  • Understands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
  • Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrity
  • Values people regardless of their background
  • Exhibits the traits of a servant leader
  • Exhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional Intelligence
  • Encourages open dialogue and communication
  • Develops high trust relationships within all levels of the organization
  • Pursues Excellence


Requirements

  • Associates degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience in plastics processing or related field
  • Strong understanding of plastic materials and behavior under molding conditions
  • Demonstrated leadership and core competencies
  • Experience in die setting and processing, with the ability to lead, mentor and develop die setters and other processors
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Excellent communication, teamwork and leadership abilities
  • Strong analytical, math and writing skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365
  • Ability to work independently while achieving organization goals and objectives


Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience with scientific molding
  • Familiarity with injection molding simulation software (e.g., Moldflow)
  • Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
  • Experience with ERP/EAM systems (e.g., QAD, SAP, IQMS, or similar)
  • Exposure to cost reduction initiatives and financial analysis (scrap, efficiency, ROI)
  • Experience supporting new product launches or APQP processes


Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
  • 401K with match - Starting on Day 1
  • Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Onsite Medical Clinic


Perks
  • Weekly Pay
  • Childcare Assistance (Tri-Share)
  • Flexible Hours & Scheduling
  • Attendance Recognition Program
  • Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Uniforms / T-shirts
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Smoking Cessation Products and Programs

About Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering is a manufacturing company that produces a variety of products, including automotive parts, recycling containers, and renewable energy systems. The company was founded in 1973 by Fred Keller and has since grown to become a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices. Cascade Engineering is committed to social and environmental responsibility, and has received numerous awards for its efforts in these areas. The company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has additional locations in Michigan, North Carolina, and Europe.
Learn more about Cascade Engineering
Size
1,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1973

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cascade Engineering

  • Cascade Engineering
    Process Engineer
    $70K — $104K *
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Kent County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Cascade Engineering
    Senior Program Manager
    $100K — $136K *
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Kent County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Cascade Engineering
    Logistics Manager
    $70K — $113K *
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Kent County)
    Transportation
    In-Person
  • Cascade Engineering
    Manufacturing Engineer
    $70K — $104K *
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Kent County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Cascade Engineering
    Senior Materials Manager
    $87K — $131K *
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Kent County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Process Engineer jobs: