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Plastic Compounding Companies Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy ... plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling ...

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Plastic Compounding Companies information

What are plastic compounding companies?

Plastic compounding companies specialize in blending polymers with additives, fillers, and colorants to create customized plastic materials with specific properties. These companies modify base resins to achieve desired characteristics such as improved strength, flexibility, color, flame resistance, or conductivity, depending on the application. The compounded plastics are then supplied to manufacturers in industries like automotive, electronics, packaging, and construction for further processing into end products.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in plastic compounding companies and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in plastic compounding companies often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, meeting tight production deadlines, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, familiarity with quality control protocols, and effective communication across production, quality assurance, and R&D teams. Continuous training and staying updated on industry standards also help in proactively solving issues and improving processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a plastic compounding company, and why are they important?

To thrive at a plastic compounding company, you generally need a background in polymer science, chemical engineering, or materials science, often with relevant industry experience or technical training. Familiarity with extrusion, blending equipment, quality control systems, and safety certifications (such as OSHA) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this environment. These abilities ensure consistent product quality, safe operations, and efficient workflow in a highly technical and regulated industry.

What is the difference between Plastic Compounding Companies vs Plastic Processors?

AspectPlastic Compounding CompaniesPlastic Processors
CredentialsTypically require technical knowledge of compounding processes, certifications varyRequire knowledge of processing techniques, certifications may include manufacturing standards
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities focused on creating compounded plasticsProcessing plants handling molding, extrusion, or fabrication of plastics
Industry UsageSuppliers of custom plastic compounds to manufacturersEnd-users or manufacturers shaping plastics into final products

Plastic Compounding Companies focus on creating specialized plastic formulations, while Plastic Processors handle the shaping and manufacturing of plastic products. Both roles are integral to the plastics industry but differ in their core functions and processes.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plastic Compounding Companies jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Plastic Compounding Companies job openings:

Infographic showing various Plastic Compounding Companies job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Process Engineer

Cascade Engineering

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!

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

At Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community. If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success.