Plastics Engineer / Injection Mold Specialist
Location: Clare, MI
Department: Manufacturing
Reports To: Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company: Zimax Industrial Products Inc. (ZIP)
About Zimax Industrial Products Inc.
Zimax Industrial Products Inc. (ZIP) is a growing manufacturing company supporting battery production through high-quality, reliable components and processes. We are committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our team-oriented culture values hands-on problem solving, accountability, and collaboration across engineering and production teams.
Job Description
The Plastics Engineer / Injection Mold Specialist supports the design, development, and manufacturing of plastic components used in battery production. This role focuses on injection molding process optimization, tooling support, and continuous improvement to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and manufacturable plastic parts. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, practical manufacturing experience, and a willingness to support production needs in a hands-on environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and optimize injection molding processes for battery-related components
- Troubleshoot molding defects such as warpage, sink marks, flash, short shots, and burn marks
- Adjust and optimize process parameters to improve quality, cycle time, and scrap reduction
- Support new product launches from concept through full production
- Select appropriate plastic resins based on mechanical, thermal, chemical, and cost requirements
- Design, develop, and improve plastic components to support battery production needs
- Conduct material testing, validation, and root cause analysis
- Ensure products meet customer requirements and applicable regulatory and industry standards
- Maintain engineering documentation, specifications, and change records
- Support cross-functional teams and assist in various roles to help meet production goals
Skills Needed
- Injection molding process optimization and troubleshooting
- Plastic material selection and evaluation
- Root cause analysis and problem solving
- Interpretation of engineering drawings and GD&T
- Statistical process control (SPC) and basic lean manufacturing tools
- Clear communication and teamwork in a production environment
Knowledge Required
- Plastic materials, resin behavior, and molding processes
- Injection mold tooling concepts and process interactions
- Manufacturing quality systems and process controls
- New product introduction and production ramp-up support
- Safety practices in a manufacturing environment
Ability to Implement Skills and Knowledge
- Diagnose molding defects and implement effective corrective actions
- Apply engineering principles directly on the production floor
- Balance quality, cost, and manufacturability in part and process design
- Support production teams during launches, changes, and troubleshooting
- Maintain accurate documentation and follow change management practices
- Adapt to shifting priorities and support team-based production goals
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing
- Entry-level candidates will be considered with strong internship or co-op experience
- Strong knowledge of plastic materials and injection molding processes
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T
- Understanding of SPC and lean manufacturing principles
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- Experience with injection mold design and tooling validation
- Experience setting up and operating injection molding equipment
Benefits
- Competitive pay based on competency
- 100% employer-paid health insurance and HSA for employees
- Flexible paid time off and holidays
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Discretionary bonuses
Join Our Team
We are excited to welcome new talent to our team! If you are passionate about what you do and are looking for a dynamic and supportive work environment, we encourage you to apply. Join us and be a part of a company that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. We look forward to seeing how we can succeed together.