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. This role will work closely with suppliers to ensure robust, stable, and capable manufacturing processes from tool design through mass production.
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
