Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics IL (1875770) - with Great Benefits

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 plastic manufacturing processes, including structural foam molding and injection molding.

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

Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize defects.

Collaborate with tooling and equipment designers to create molds, dies, and other manufacturing tools that meet product specifications and performance requirements.

Evaluate tooling designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.

Work closely with material scientists and suppliers to select appropriate plastic materials for each application, considering factors such as mechanical properties, thermal stability, and cost.

Conduct material testing and analysis to ensure compatibility with manufacturing processes and desired product outcomes.

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.

Lead or participate in cross-functional teams to manage projects related to new product introductions, process improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.

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.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of processes, procedures, and specifications.

Prepare regular reports on manufacturing performance, process efficiency, and quality metrics.

Initiate and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall manufacturing operations.

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 and organizational skills.

Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field.

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).