Designer - Plastics

Big 3 Precision; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Big 3 Precision in Michigan is seeking a skilled Plastic Designer with hands-on experience in injection molding and vacuum forming to design and develop plastic components that meet aesthetic, functional, and manufacturability requirements.

You will create 3D models and 2D drawings, collaborate with manufacturing to optimize designs for molding, support DFM reviews, select materials, and maintain full documentation and revision control of all design files.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in plastic part design for molding.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX or Creo.
• Experience designing thermoforming tools.
• Strong knowledge of plastic materials and their behavior.
• Familiarity with mold design principles, draft angles, and ejection systems.
• Ability to read GD&T drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Design plastic parts and assemblies using CAD software.
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings with dimensions and tolerances.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize for molding and thermoforming.
• Support DFM reviews and iterate designs.
• Maintain documentation and revision control of design data.
• Troubleshoot mold/tool design issues and part defects.
• Conduct tolerance stack-ups and root-cause analysis.

Skills

CAD Software

Injection Molding

Vacuum Forming

GD&T

Tolerance Analysis

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Creo

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Plastic Designer with hands-on experience in injection molding and/or vacuum forming processes. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design and development of plastic components, ensuring they meet aesthetic, functional, and manufacturability requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop plastic parts and assemblies using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, Creo).
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings with proper dimensioning, tolerances, and material specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for injection molding and vacuum forming.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, tooling, quality, and suppliers.
• Support DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews and incorporate feedback into design iterations.
• Select appropriate plastic materials based on mechanical, thermal, and cosmetic requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to mold/tool design, part defects, or process limitations.
• Conduct tolerance stack-ups and root-cause analysis for production issues.
• Maintain documentation and revision control of all design files and technical data.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in plastic part design for injection molding and/or vacuum forming.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar).
• Designed Thermoforming Tools.
• Strong understanding of plastic materials, their behavior, and application suitability.
• Familiarity with mold design principles, draft angles, parting lines, undercuts, and ejection systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and post-processing techniques (trimming, bonding, assembly).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with simulation tools (Moldflow, FEA, etc.) is a plus.
• Background in automotive, medical, or consumer electronics industries.
• Familiarity with ISO standards related to plastics and molding.
• Experience working with international suppliers and tooling vendors.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and team collaboration abilities.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.