Manufacturing Engineer

Plasticade; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Plasticade is seeking an experienced engineer to lead capital manufacturing projects from concept to commissioning, overseeing scope, vendors, budgets and schedules. You will drive process improvements to boost throughput, OEE, and reduce scrap while enhancing ergonomics and safety on the production floor.

You will collaborate with Maintenance and Production to advance TPM practices, develop fixtures, and gain expertise in compression molding technologies.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial or 7–10 years experience required.
• Experience managing manufacturing projects with vendor coordination, budgets, schedules, installation, and commissioning.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope, vendor selection, budget, schedule, installation, commissioning, validation and post-installation review.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve throughput, OEE, scrap reduction, safety, and cost.
• Partner with Maintenance and Production to improve TPM practices, preventive/predictive maintenance, and root-cause actions.
• Design jigs/fixtures to streamline post-production assembly and QA processes.
• Spend up to 40% on the production floor supporting installations, trials, tests, mold validation, and CI activities.
• Develop technical expertise in crumb rubber and liquid binder compression molding technologies.
• Monitor production data to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop knowledge of PLC logic to troubleshoot and enhance systems.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Engineering degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial or 7–10 years experience

Tools

SolidWorks

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead manufacturing capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, equipment/vendor selection, budget management, project scheduling, installation coordination, commissioning, validation, and post-installation performance review
• Identify, prioritize, and implement process improvements that improve throughput and OEE, reduce scrap and waste, improve ergonomics and operator safety, and reduce manufacturing cost
• Partner with Maintenance and Production to develop and improve Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) practices, including preventive and predictive maintenance, equipment standards, downtime analysis, and root-cause corrective actions
• Design and implement jigs and fixtures to streamline post-production assembly and quality control processes
• Spend up to 40% of working time on the production floor supporting equipment installations, troubleshooting, process trials, test runs, mold validation, and continuous improvement activities
• Develop and maintain technical expertise in crumb rubber and liquid binder compression molding technologies
• Monitor and analyze production data to identify and target areas for continuous improvement
• Develop a working knowledge of PLC logic to troubleshoot and enhance existing systems

POSITION REQUIRMENTS:

• Associates/Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline, OR 7-10 years relevant experience
• Experience managing manufacturing projects, including vendor coordination, budgets, schedules, installation, and commissioning
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability and willingness to spend 20–40% of working time on the production floor
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and project-management skills

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Experience with compression molding, rubber processing, or similar manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics/compressed air, and industrial equipment
• Experience with TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement methodologies
• PLC troubleshooting or programming experience
• Experience designing and implementing automated manufacturing systems
• Experience with equipment installation and field engineering
• Familiarity with material-handling systems
• Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• When in office: moderate noise levels & prolonged computer use. Frequent presence in non-climate-controlled, high-noise production & warehouse areas where appropriate PPE must be worn
• Compensation: $95,000 - $125,000

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee and may be revised at any time by the Company.