Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics

We are seeking a Senior Plastics Manufacturing Engineer for our new manufacturing facility. In this role you will be responsible for planning, designing, developing, and optimizing plastic manufacturing processes and systems to ensure efficient production, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing technical expertise, and implementing best practices in plastics manufacturing. The Plastics Manufacturing Engineer plays a vital role in producing high-quality plastic products.  

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

  • None

 

 Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Plan, develop, improve, and optimize plastic manufacturing processes, including structural foam and injection molding. 

  • Maximize efficiency by optimizing equipment layout, workflow, assembly methods, tools, and workforce utilization. 

  • Determine the parts, equipment, tools, and processes needed to achieve manufacturing goals according to product specifications.  

  • Conduct process validation and verification activities to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to industry standards. 

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, quality assurance, and supply chain, to ensure seamless integration of new processes, materials, and technologies. 

  • Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses for proposed manufacturing initiatives. 

  • Identify and resolve production issues through root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions. 

  • Establish and maintain documentation such as work instructions, process maps, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

  • Lead and support continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies. 

  • Develop and implement quality control procedures to monitor and ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards. 

  • May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization.  

  • Work on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state-of-the-art technical or industry knowledge. 

  • Assist in other duties as required. 

 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

  • Ability to prioritize work and adhere to strict deadlines. 

  • Ability to work with minimum supervision. 

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. 

  • Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation skills. 

 

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field.  

  • At least 10 years of experience of plastics manufacturing processes, including injection molding, extrusion, and related technologies. 

  • Proficiency in CAD software for tooling and fixture design. 

  • Familiarity with quality control methodologies and relevant standards (ISO, ASTM, etc.). 

  • Project Management experience is a plus. 

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). 

 

Physical Requirements:  

The physical demands described are representative of those that an employee must successfully performReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

  • Employees are regularly required to stand, walk, use their hands to touch, handle, and feel objects, and use tools or controlsThe employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and twistPush and Pull carts and pallet jacks, loaded or empty. 

  • Employees must regularly lift and/or move up to 35 poundsCharles Industries weight rule:  35 lbs. and under can be lifted alone35 - 50 lbs. can be lifted by one person if they feel comfortable doing so50 lbs. or more requires the employee to get assistance or use a lifting device. (i.e. pallet jack, forklift, scissor table, buddy system). 

  • Vision abilities required are close, peripheral, and depth.  Must have the ability to recognize color. 

 

Work Environment:  

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions. 

  • Employees regularly work near moving, vibrating, mechanical equipment, occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particlesExposed to minimal risk of electrical shock. 

  • The noise level is moderate.