Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
5+ years experienced in plastics engineering or product development.
Proven track record in developing plastic products via injection molding and similar processes.
Experience leading product development from concept to production launch.
Proficient in creating CAD models and engineering documentation using software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
Familiar with APQP, DFMEA, and control plans.
Responsibilities
Design and develop plastic components using various manufacturing processes like injection molding.
Create and maintain 3D CAD models, product specifications, and lifecycle documentation.
Lead projects from concept through validation and ongoing production support.
Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability.
Conduct prototype builds and validation testing prior to production launches.
Serve as the primary engineering contact for product development initiatives.
Identify and lead continuous improvement efforts for product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Benefits
Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, including a global healthcare option.
401(k) plan with a company match that is fully vested from day one.
Competitive paid time off policy with 3 weeks of PTO plus holidays.
Free on-site medical clinics for you and your dependents.
24/7 access to Teladoc with no copay.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Discounts with partner organizations like Dollywood Parks & Resort and Verizon Wireless.
Full Job Description
What You Will Do
Product Design and Development
Design and develop plastic components and assemblies using injection molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, and related plastics manufacturing processes.
Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, product specifications, bills of material, and lifecycle documentation.
Develop functional prototypes through additive manufacturing and 3D printing to support concept evaluation, fit and function studies, customer demonstrations, and manufacturing feasibility reviews.
Apply Design for Manufacturability, Design for Assembly, and Design for Cost principles to develop practical and cost-effective products.
Select plastic materials, resins, finishes, and manufacturing methods based on performance requirements, environmental conditions, regulatory standards, and manufacturing capabilities.
Manage engineering changes, product revisions, and configuration-controlled documentation.
Product Validation and Production Launch
Lead assigned product development projects from concept and prototype through validation, launch, and ongoing production support.
Partner with Process and Manufacturing Engineering to optimize designs for tooling capability, process repeatability, manufacturability, and long-term production stability.
Support prototype builds, validation testing, first article inspections, pilot production, tooling trials, and production-readiness activities.
Participate in APQP activities, including design reviews, DFMEAs, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, control plans, PPAP documentation, and launch-readiness reviews.
Evaluate product performance through testing, capability studies, validation activities, and customer feedback.
Customer, Supplier, and Cross-Functional Partnership
Serve as the primary engineering contact for assigned products and customer development initiatives.
Collaborate with customers, tooling suppliers, material suppliers, and manufacturing partners to develop robust production solutions.
Participate in technical reviews, supplier evaluations, engineering change discussions, and product development meetings.
Resolve technical and supplier-related issues through engineering analysis, root-cause identification, and corrective action.
Communicate technical information clearly to customers, suppliers, leadership, and cross-functional partners.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Lead improvement initiatives focused on product performance, reliability, manufacturability, quality, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
Identify opportunities for material optimization, tooling enhancements, value engineering, and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Research and apply emerging plastic materials, additive manufacturing methods, and product-development technologies.
Support products and processes governed by ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, customer-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, and Tooling teams.
What You Will Bring
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
At least five years of engineering experience in plastics engineering, product development, manufacturing engineering, or new product development within a manufacturing environment.
Experience developing plastic products using injection molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, or similar manufacturing processes.
Demonstrated experience leading new-product development activities from concept through production launch.
Experience creating 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of material, specifications, and related engineering documentation.
Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or comparable 3D CAD software.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, technical specifications, and plastics-processing requirements.
Working knowledge of APQP, design reviews, DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, and PPAP.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, project-management, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Seven or more years of relevant engineering experience.
Automotive, Tier 1 supplier, commercial transportation, recreational vehicle, or specialty vehicle industry experience.
Experience using additive manufacturing or 3D printing for rapid prototyping, design verification, tooling development, and proof-of-concept evaluations.
Surface modeling or surfacing design experience.
Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and customer-specific automotive requirements.
Knowledge of MSA, SPC, process capability, 8D, Five Why, fishbone analysis, and root-cause analysis.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and value analysis/value engineering methodologies.
Experience with ERP and PLM systems; familiarity with JD Edwards and Minitab is a plus.
Travel
This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% to support customer meetings, supplier development, tooling trials, prototype builds, validation activities, production launches, and HSM Solutions manufacturing locations.
Why Join Us?
Health & Wellness: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
Retire: 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of PTO + company paid holidays.
On-Site Medical Clinics: Free for you and covered dependents.
Teladoc: 24/7 access with no copay.
Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
Discounts: Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.
