Director, Design Engineering — Lead NPD in Plastics Remote

American Plastics, LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental benefits

401k

Paid vacation

Job summary

American Plastics, LLC is seeking a strategic Director of Design Engineering to lead a high-performing team of design engineers in Mooresville, NC, with remote work available for the right candidate. The role drives end-to-end product development, implements robust DFM/DFMEA processes, and accelerates cycles while ensuring quality and manufacturability.

You will partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, PMO, and Sales to align R&D investments with business objectives and deliver

Qualifications

• 15+ years of R&D and new product development in plastic injection molded solutions for CPG.
• 7+ years leading and developing engineering teams across global orgs.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Deep expertise in plastic injection molding, design, materials, Moldflow, tooling, and high-volume manufacturability.
• Strong knowledge of DFM/DFMA, DFMEA, DVP&R, PPAP, and stage-gate processes.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems, ECOs, and drawing standards.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to commercialization.
• Ensure adherence to development processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee design reviews, risk management, verification/validation strategies, and transfer to manufacturing.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing design engineering team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and talent development.
• Drive performance management and organizational effectiveness across the function.
• Lead development and continuous improvement of product development processes.
• Establish governance frameworks to accelerate cycles, ensure execution, and sustain product quality.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, within scope and budget.

Skills

Plastic injection molding

Product development leadership

Team leadership

Moldflow

SolidWorks

DFMEA/PPAP

DFM/DFMA

Moldflow simulation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CREO

SolidWorks

FEA tools

PLM/PDM systems

Job description

American Plastics, LLC is seeking a strategic Director of Design Engineering to lead a high-performing team of design engineers in Mooresville, NC, with remote work available for the right candidate. The role drives end-to-end product development, implements robust DFM/DFMEA processes, and accelerates cycles while ensuring quality and manufacturability.

You will partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, PMO, and Sales to align R&D investments with business objectives and deliver