Manufacturing Engineer

Plastics Manufacturing Engineer – Whitestown, IN

Job Summary:

The Plastics Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for 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 the production of high-quality plastic products. This role requires a strong understanding of plastics manufacturing processes, materials, and quality control principles, along with the ability to collaborate across various departments to achieve production goals and drive continuous improvement. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, improve, and optimize manufacturing processes in the plant, including extrusion, injection molding, assembly, and packaging.
• Conduct process validation and verification activities to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to industry standards.
• Work with product management and product design engineers on new product design or design changes to improve manufacturability. 
• Perform continuous improvement and cost reduction activities on products produced, including identification of potential design changes and/or process improvements to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize defects.
• Collaborate with tooling and equipment designers to create tooling, equipment, or fixtures (including molds, dies, and other manufacturing tools) that meet product specifications and performance requirements.
• Evaluate product and tooling designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.
• Create work instructions (set-up and operation) for new equipment and assist in training.
• Develop recommended preventive maintenance schedules for new equipment.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures to monitor and ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to address any deviations, defects, or non-conformities in the manufacturing process.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, and ensure timely completion of milestones.
• Identify potential manufacturing risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring consistent production and product quality.
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations to address any production-related issues.
• Assist in other duties as required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree required.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, plastics engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering or manufacturing experience, preferably with a background in manufacturing plastic products.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong knowledge 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).