Plastic Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

As a Process Engineer at Applied Medical, you’ll lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that drive consistency, efficiency, and scalability across a wide range of manufacturing systems. From component assembly to process validations and documentation, this role combines hands-on process ownership with strategic collaboration. You’ll bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring our processes are compliant, optimized, and ready to scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cross-Process Improvement: Analyze, document, and improve existing workflows for component-level manufacturing, including assembly, bonding, testing, and sub-processes beyond plastics.

• Validation & Compliance: Lead and support equipment and process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ), working with quality and documentation teams to ensure regulatory alignment.

• Tooling & Fixture Coordination: Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows.

• Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, and technical reports.

• Project Ownership: Manage validation timelines, trials, and change implementation across multiple teams, including operations, tooling, and quality.

• Technician Support: Train floor technicians on updated processes, documentation, or new procedures as workflows evolve.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Bioengineering, or a related field
• More than one year of industry experience in manufacturing, injection molding, or process engineering
• Exposure to plastics manufacturing, component-level production, or contract manufacturing environments
• Interest in process planning, optimization, and cross-team coordination
• Proficiency with CAD software for basic design collaboration and documentation
• Ability to communicate across departments and work in technician-facing environments
• Strong analytical and documentation skills for recipe development, SOPs, and technical reporting
• Project coordination mindset with a focus on execution and follow-through

• Hands-on experience with injection molding systems or plastics process development

• Familiarity with validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and regulated manufacturing environments

• CAD design ability beyond basics with SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent

• Minitab or Excel-based data analysis for performance metrics or capability studies

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering and quality teams

• Interest in developing scalable solutions for scrap reduction, cycle time efficiency, and process sustainability

• Comfort with root-cause analysis, data collection, and continuous improvement techniques

If you’re passionate about bringing order to complex workflows, documenting technical change, and working cross-functionally to refine how products are made, the Process Engineer role offers an exciting opportunity to make scalable impact in medical manufacturing.

• Competitive compensation range: $71,000 - $80,000 / year (California).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• On-campus wellness activities.
• Education reimbursement program.
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Bioengineering, or a related field
• More than one year of industry experience in manufacturing, injection molding, or process engineering
• Exposure to plastics manufacturing, component-level production, or contract manufacturing environments
• Interest in process planning, optimization, and cross-team coordination
• Proficiency with CAD software for basic design collaboration and documentation
• Ability to communicate across departments and work in technician-facing environments
• Strong analytical and documentation skills for recipe development, SOPs, and technical reporting
• Project coordination mindset with a focus on execution and follow-through