Development Engineer (Paint / Injection Processes) (Santiago de Querétaro)

As a Development Engineer at KI Industries Inc., you will play a crucial role in managing part design, tooling development, and painting activities for plastic injection molded highly decorative parts. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure compliance with KIMx guidelines and uphold the standards established at Plant 3 and Plant 6. You will have the chance to contribute to the enhancement of product quality and innovation in a rapidly evolving industry. This position is a full-time opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Manage, control, and promote the KPIs, objectives, and goals of the department, while also advocating for KPIs of KI México.
• Oversee the implementation of new paint processes within the KI paint lines.
• Design and track tooling modifications, as well as implement improvements to production tools to enhance quality and compliance.
• Ensure timely repairs and modifications to supplier's external tools in accordance with proposed designs.
• Monitor paint quality through inspections, data analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Support simultaneous design of parts, tools, and processes.
• Maintain up-to-date 3D and 2D drawings of mold and plastic parts in the system.
• Anticipate and recommend solutions to capacity, quality, and tool life issues, implementing solutions as necessary.
• Promote the implementation of 5S in manufacturing plants.
• Participate in RFQ/Team Feasibility Review meetings and DFM meetings for new projects.
• Record and update mold specification sheets to address tooling issues between suppliers and companies.
• Advise management on developments affecting profitability, schedule, costs, and customer relationships.
• Assist in tool sampling, inspection, and validation of new or modified tools.
• Collaborate with QA on tooling subcontractor facility surveys and manufacturing processes to ensure quality control and technical requirements are met.
• Prepare and present reports on paint department performance and cost metrics.
• Complete all required documentation of tooling in the internal system and in IQMS.
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading prints, providing correction recommendations, and utilizing measurement methods.
• Address design decision-making challenges, often involving direct customer interaction.
• Manage tooling corrections or modifications effectively.
• Support and understand the internal client to accurately define their needs.
• Ensure compliance with delivery times to meet customer expectations.
• Estimate costs accurately to maintain profitability.
• Effectively manage performance of both external and internal suppliers to maintain quality standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a similar position.
• Fluent in Spanish and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Advanced skills in CAD, SolidWorks and PTC Creo.
• Comprehensive understanding of tool design principles.
• Painting Processes experience.
• Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering resins and injection molding processes, including conventional gas assist.
• Demonstrated proficiency in identifying and addressing various plastic materials and their painting requirements.
• Familiarity with effective 8D problem‑solving techniques.
• Ability to interpret GD&T, part geometry, and recommend design modifications to optimize part molding processes.
• Capable of determining optimal gating methods, cooling requirements, estimated cycle time, secondary operations, and packaging needs.
• Experience in designing experiments and conducting DOE, with proficiency in follow‑up capability studies and measurement methods.
• Knowledgeable about mold construction techniques, different tool steel variables, and proficient in recommending mold correction procedures for tool enhancement.
• Skilled in machine setups, starts and stops, mold care, and vigilant process monitoring.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.