Associate Automation Engineer Jobs in Akron, OH (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer – Plastics or Rubber

Location: Akron, OH

(Local candidates preferred; conservative relocation assistance available for qualified talent)

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Bonus Potential + Profit Sharing + 401(k) + Comprehensive Benefits

Schedule: Steady ~45-hour workweek with minimal weekends and zero on-call burnout

Drive Innovation. Own the Floor. Accelerate Your Impact.

Are you a hands-on engineer who thrives in an active manufacturing environment rather than sitting behind a desk all day? We are seeking a Process Engineer – Rubber or Plastics to serve as a key technical leader in our high-tech molding operations.

In this high-visibility role, you’ll work in an environment boasting a recent $3.5M investment in state-of-the-art molding equipment and advanced automated systems. You’ll enjoy direct daily access to our on-site President, a predictable non-automotive product line, and true ownership over process optimization—all backed by an exceptional work-life balance and zero corporate red tape.

Why Engineers Choose This Opportunity:

• 🤖 Advanced Automation Environment: Drive hands-on technical innovation following a $3.5M capital upgrade in new molding machines and automation.
• 🛠️ 80% Hands-On Floor Time: Maximize your engineering impact where it matters most—troubleshooting, optimizing lines, and solving complex physical challenges on the shop floor.
• ⚖️ True Work-Life Balance: Protect your personal time with a predictable, average 45-hour workweek and virtually no weekend shifts or on-call demands.
• 🏢 Non-Automotive Stability: Enjoy a stable, predictable product line and exceptional team tenure outside the volatile automotive sector.
• 📈 Direct Access & Fast Decisions: Collaborate daily with our on-site President to get capital projects and process ideas fast-tracked without waiting for corporate approvals.
• 💰 Comprehensive Rewards: Profit sharing, annual bonus potential, 401(k), full healthcare coverage, short/long-term disability, paid holidays/vacation, and life insurance.

The Role

Reporting directly to the President, you will oversee support production and execute diverse engineering initiatives in a fast-paced injection molding facility.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Support production lines while increasing efficiencies and decreasing scrap
• Complete projects related to root cause analysis and troubleshooting downtime
• Utilize 2D and 3D modeling to improve line layouts and design fixtures and gauges
• Assist with new product activities, documentation and project management
• Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical issues
• Communicate with operations and production associates to improve KPIs and production initiatives
• Work to improve current engineering designs
• Assist with creating work instructions and other manufacturing documentation
• Complete tooling troubleshooting and work with external tool shops
• Support automation improvements
• Initiate cost justification on new projects and equipment
• If not immediately, in the future overseeing capital equipment projects, including monitoring timelines and budgets
• Other duties directed by engineering management

What We Are Looking For

This is a 100% hands-on technical position where you will spend up to 80% of your day on the manufacturing floor. We need a proactive, flexible problem-solver who can take complete ownership of projects, handle changing priorities, and maintain a positive, team-first attitude under pressure.

Requirements:

1. A minimum of an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree in a technical field, ideally Mechanical Engineering, is highly preferred
2. At least 2–5 years of similar manufacturing and/or process engineering experience
3. Experience working in plastic or rubber injection, blow or compression molding
4. Strong continuous improvement background
5. Project management of timelines
6. Strong mechanical aptitude
7. Experience improving part designs
8. 2D/3D modeling experience
9. Microsoft Office, including Excel

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

1. PLCs and automation
2. Tooling design review
3. Budget management