Test Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Injection Molding Process Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, optimizing, and sustaining injection molding processes to support high-quality production in a manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on automotive applications. The Injection Molding Process Engineer conducts research, leads process improvements, supports production teams, and ensures compliance with industry standards and internal procedures while promoting a safe and efficient workplace.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to develop new and improved processes for injection molding, with a focus on enhancing quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Analyze and troubleshoot injection molding process problems, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Conduct quality audits to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards, customer requirements, and internal procedures.
• Collaborate with other engineers and manufacturing personnel to improve injection molding processes and overall production performance.
• Develop, maintain, and update process documentation for molds and injection molding operations.
• Lead and mentor injection molding staff, providing guidance, technical support, and coaching to improve skills and performance.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by applying 6S, job rotation, and ergonomic work practices to prevent injuries.
• Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production, ensuring processes remain within defined parameters.
• Design and plan equipment layouts to support efficient and safe injection molding operations.
• Follow all IATF and ISO policies and procedures, ensuring processes align with quality and regulatory standards.
• Train mold setters, ensuring appropriate training, evaluation, and oversight of daily mold changes and start-ups.
• Adhere to company policies and regulations in all aspects of work and decision making.
• Conduct detailed process documentation of molds, including setup parameters, changes, and validation data.
• Interface with the Quality Department on corrective and preventive actions related to customer complaints and internal quality issues.
• Understand and positively impact key performance indicators, balancing safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost, scrap, labor, and morale to achieve strong operational results.
• Continuously analyze the assigned area of responsibility for improved methods of production, communication, reporting, and cost control, and make recommendations to maximize efficiency.
• Participate in customer initial sample part validation activities, including PPAP submissions and approvals.
• Attend daily production meetings to review performance, address issues, and align on priorities.
• Ensure that first shot approval is obtained from Quality Inspectors before releasing production.
• Document all problems and process changes, and provide clear action plans in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Communicate daily with various departments and all levels of management via email, telephone, and face-to-face interactions to optimize operational efficiency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as mechanical engineering, or an advanced degree in polymer engineering.
• Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Internship, co-op, academic project, or hands-on manufacturing experience in injection molding is preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in injection molding with presses ranging from 650 to 1400 tons.
• At least 2 years of experience within the automotive industry.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of plastics injection molding and plastic engineering.
• Understanding of product manufacturing principles and practices related to plastic components.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving process issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with cross-functional teams and management.
• Good interpersonal skills to lead, mentor, and collaborate with production and engineering staff.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Office (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Basic understanding of OSHA standards related to manufacturing environments.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with IATF and ISO standards and their application in a manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years of experience in a manufacturing setting beyond the minimum requirements is preferred but not required.
• Ability to adapt to changes in scheduling and production priorities.
• Capability to handle high-stress decision-making scenarios in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with automotive engineering and exterior lighting programs is beneficial.
• Background in working with major automotive OEM programs is an advantage.
• Knowledge of lean tools and methods for waste reduction and efficiency improvement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a production and manufacturing engineering environment that includes maintenance, tooling, and injection molding operations. The engineer works closely with a team of approximately 23 operations and team lead employees and around 6 salaried employees. The environment is hands-on and fast-paced, with regular interaction on the production floor and in meetings to support daily operations, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration. Standard office technologies such as the MS Office suite are used for reporting, analysis, and communication, while the production area involves working around injection molding presses and related tooling and equipment. Safety practices, including adherence to OSHA guidelines and 6S principles, are integral to the work setting, and the culture emphasizes continuous improvement, quality, and collaboration in support of major automotive programs.

This is a Permanent position based out of Troy, MI.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Health/Medical Vision Dental 401k

This is a fully onsite position in Troy,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.