Manufacturing Engineer

PTA Plastics

$85K — $125K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • 3 - 7+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing, with a focus on injection molding.
  • Experience in process development, tooling, and troubleshooting in production environments.
  • Proficiency in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
  • Familiarity with automation, robotics, or collaborative robots (cobots) preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools.
  • Strong communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and improve manufacturing and assembly processes for injection molding.
  • Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and improve cycle times.
  • Establish and maintain standardized work instructions and documentation.
  • Design and implement fixtures and tools to enhance productivity and ergonomic standards.
  • Lead manufacturing readiness for new product launches and process documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-departments to ensure manufacturability of designs.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by tracking KPIs and executing cost-saving projects.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible work hours and potential for remote work options.
Full Job Description
Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement, and supporting new product introduction across molding and secondary operations. This role partners cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost through data-driven decision-making, automation, and standardized processes.

Pay: $85,000-$125,000

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing and assembly processes for injection molding and secondary operations.
  • Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies, reduce scrap, and improve cycle times and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Work with Work Instructions Specialist to establish and maintain standardized work instructions, process documentation, and visual controls.
  • Evaluate, design, and implement fixtures, hand tools, and other aids to improve productivity, consistency, and operator ergonomics.

New Product Introduction (NPI)
  • Lead manufacturing readiness for new product launches, including process development, new fixture design, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Tooling, and Quality to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet customer requirements.
  • Support mold sampling activities and define production standards (work instructions, layouts, packaging, etc.).
  • Lead BOM reviews.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Quality on root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and MRB activities.
  • Work with Tooling and Maintenance to support mold performance, repairs, and improvements.
  • Coordinate with Supply Chain and external vendors to improve delivery, quality, and cost performance.

Continuous Improvement
  • Lead and participate in Lean/CI initiatives to drive waste reduction and process stability.
  • Support KPI tracking and reporting (scrap, efficiency, downtime, throughput).
  • Identify and execute cost-saving and process improvement projects.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Support daily production troubleshooting and escalation as needed.
  • Maintain accurate documentation within ERP/MES systems.
  • Participate in design reviews, and product introduction meetings.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial) or equivalentexperience.
  • 3 - 7+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing (injection molding preferred).
  • Experience with process development, tooling, and troubleshooting in a production environment.
  • Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
  • Familiarity with automation, robotics, or cobots is strongly preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.


Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move around the production floor for extended periods.
  • Capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools, machine components, and molds.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
  • Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
  • Good vision and color perception for inspecting parts and identifying any defects or abnormalities.
  • Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and withstand exposure to noise levels associated with manufacturing machinery.
  • Ability to receive, comprehend and utilize required training from OSHA and Company including but not limited to the following:
  • Hazard Communication
  • Lock Out/Tag Out

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at PTA Plastics

  • Manufacturing Engineer
    $85K — $125K *
    Oxford, CT 06478 (Naugatuck Vly County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Sr. Automation Engineer
    $90K — $115K *
    Oxford, CT 06478 (Naugatuck Vly County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Manufacturing Engineer
    $70K — $95K *
    Longmont, CO 80504 (Weld County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Manufacturing Engineer jobs: