Design Engineer - Manufacturing

Achilles USA specializes in manufacturing customized plastic films for a vast array of industries and applications, from IMAX movie screens to medical devices. Utilizing materials like PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and urethane, the company provides calendering, extrusion, lamination, and conversion services. Located in Everett, Washington, Achilles USA develops unique formulations and compounding processes to deliver tailored solutions to its clients. Achilles USA is part of The Achilles Corporation, a global leader in specialized plastic films and synthetic leather manufacturing.

The Design Engineer is responsible for designing and testing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyolefin (PO) plastic film/sheet products for calendering and extrusion manufacturing processes. Support Production, Quality, and Sales departments to continually improve products and processes and respond to customer inquiries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Design Engineer E2 follows established procedures with minimal supervision to perform the following functions:

· Produce plastic compounds at the laboratory-scale using various equipment (2-roll mill, single screw extruder, torque rheometer, etc.). 

· Perform laboratory testing according to standard test methods (ISO, ASTM, etc.) to measure physical and optical properties of plastic compounds (powder, pellet, film/sheet, etc.).

· Evaluate new raw materials (supply chain redundancy, cost savings, research and development) and generate technical reports detailing testing, observations, and conclusions.

· Develop plastic formulations to meet customer, product, and processing requirements; and conduct verification testing (physical properties, application-specific testing, heat stability, etc.).

· Review daily production work orders for accuracy.

· Design and maintain product master files – assign appropriate formula and product dimensions, optimize packaging and palletizing, and determine cost using appropriate production rates.

· Scale-up and qualify new materials and products on the assigned calendering/extrusion lines, and write reports detailing verification and validation activities.

· Work with Production staff to define optimal processing conditions for products on the assigned calender/extrusion line(s) and advise on production capabilities. 

· Define product requirements such as dimensional tolerances, defect allowances, etc. Generate and maintain customer specification documents.

· Lead customer-facing product development projects – organize meetings with stakeholders, track action items for project team members, and complete project deliverables.

· Track completion of various technical support tasks using Achilles’ internal request system software. 

· Compile product regulatory declarations and stay current on relevant plastics regulations.

· Assist Quality and Production departments with reporting and investigating non-conforming material and customer complaints. Implement corrective and preventive actions as needed.

· Assist with scrap management by developing formulations containing post-industrial recycled materials.

· Meet with customers and suppliers remotely and on-site, including travel to visit customers and attend trade shows and seminars.

· Ability to work in the Everett, WA office Monday through Thursday. Work from home on Friday.

· Various other duties as assigned. 

· Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training: 4-year college degree in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, plastics and composites, or related field. 

Experience: 4-5 years of manufacturing or engineering project management work experience required. 

Skills/Aptitude: Effective oral and written communication, computer literacy, mathematical proficiency, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions: Office, factory, and laboratory environment. Overnight travel could be required.

Occasional lifting of 50 lbs.

We recognize that our success depends on our people! We have worked hard to build a generous and competitive total compensation package to show our commitment to our employees.

Annual Base Salary

$80,000 - $95,000

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance for employee & family
• Company paid life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life/AD&D, critical illness and accident insurance
• 4% employer 401(k) match
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid company holidays
• Employee referral bonus program
• Company events
• Work boot and prescription safety eyewear reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable law .