Manufacturing Engineer

The Panaro Group; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

New Berlin Plastics, a leading injection molding partner in New Berlin, WI, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to drive automation from design to production launch. You will develop tooling, write PLCs, and create operator interfaces while integrating robotic cells and safety systems.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will support continuous improvement, improve safety, quality, and productivity, and help deliver new programs to production floors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial automation or manufacturing engineering, preferably in injection molding.
• Strong knowledge of electrical design and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in PLC programming.
• Experience with robotics, vision systems, and safety integration.
• Familiarity with Star Robots, Universal Robots, Keyence or Cognex Vision.
• Strong analytical, project management, and documentation skills.
• Self-motivated, hands-on, team player with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Design 3D models for end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Program and optimize PLC control logic for industrial systems.
• Develop intuitive HMI interfaces for operators.
• Build and integrate robotic work cells and safety cages.
• Integrate six-axis and Cartesian robots (Star Automation, UR, Epson).
• Provide production support for automation-related issues on the floor.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and programming issues to minimize downtime.
• Contribute to new programs launching into production.
• Analyze cycle times, scrap rates, and equipment reliability for improvements.
• Implement and validate machine safety systems (light curtains, safety PLCs, e-stops).
• Lead training for technicians and operators on automation equipment.
• Maintain electrical schematics, BOMs, manuals, and SOPs.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Robotics integration

Vision systems

Safety integration

Star Robots

Universal Robots

Keyence/Cognex Vision

Product design

Fabrication

Testing

Project management

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Founded in 1975, New Berlin Plastics (NBP) is a family-owned leader in custom injection molding, specializing in high-precision, engineering-grade components. Based in a state-of-the-art,100,000-square-foot facility in New Berlin, WI, we pride ourselves on being more than just a manufacturer; we are a strategic partner to some of North America’s leading OEMs. At NBP, you aren't just a cog in a machine; you are part of a team that values continuous improvement, technical expertise, and a "solution-first" mindset.

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting new product launch through design, development, programming, and implementation of robotic work cells, automated fixtures, and other manufacturing automation solutions, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and providing technical support to production operations. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance while supporting key company metrics.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design: Develop 3D models for end-of-arm tooling, assembly fixture systems, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• PLC Programming: Write, configure, and optimize control logic for industrial PLC systems.
• HMI Development: Design intuitive interface screens that allow operators to interact with machines.
• Build: Build and integrate robotic work cells, including end-of-arm tooling, vision systems, and safety cages.
• Robotic Integration: Program and integrate six-axis and Cartesian robots using platforms like Star Automation, Universal Robots, and Epson robotics.
• Production Support: Assist technicians with automation-related issues for current jobs running on the production floor.
• Root Cause Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, and programming issues at a root level to minimize production downtime.
• Product Launch: Concept, quote, and participate in new programs launching into production.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze cycle times, scrap rates, and equipment reliability data to modify existing processes and routings to realize improvements in Safety, Quality, Service, and Cost.
• Safety Compliance: Implement and validate machine safety systems, including light curtains, safety PLCs, and e-stops, ensuring compliance with industrial standards.
• Training: Lead training initiatives for technicians and operators on automation equipment.
• Documentation Creation: Maintain accurate electrical schematics, bill of materials, user manuals, and standard operating procedures for assets designed and built.

Qualifications

Minimum Level of Education/Training/Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree: Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or equivalent relevant experience in industrial maintenance, automation/mechatronics, Minimum of 5 years’ experience in industrial automation or Manufacturing Engineering, preferably in injection molding.

Job Skills and Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of electrical design and troubleshooting (panels, circuits, sensors, PLC).
• Proficiency in PLC programming.
• Experience with industrial robotics, vision systems, and safety system integration.
• Experience with Star Robots, Universal Robotics, and Keyence or Cognex Vision is a plus.
• Knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and testing.
• Strong analytical, project management, and documentation skills.
• Self-motivated, hands-on, team player with excellent communication skills.

Physical & Environment Requirements:

• Exposure to a manufacturing environment
• Safety glasses required when in the plant

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.