Manufacturing Engineer

Exotic Automation & Supply; New Hudson (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

PTO

Job summary

Exotic Automation & Supply is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to own and improve molding and machining processes for custom rubber, urethane, and plastic parts. This role focuses on process development, tool design input, and lean improvements in an ITAR-compliant operation.

You will validate process capabilities, write setup sheets, and work with suppliers to optimize cost and quality while mentoring teammates and supporting safe, compliant production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Plastics Engineering; 6+ years of related experience may substitute
• 6+ years of progressive manufacturing or process engineering experience in molded rubber or plastics
• Hands-on knowledge of compression, injection, or urethane molding processes, materials, and tooling
• Experience with lean manufacturing, SPC, and DOE
• Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, or NX
• Strong project management skills with ability to lead cross-functional initiatives
• Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills for working with customers, suppliers, production teams, and leadership
• Mechanical aptitude and a hands-on, shop-floor mindset
• Experience with CNC machining, die cutting, or 3D printing is a plus

Responsibilities

• Develop molding and machining processes; set methods and operations for new and existing parts
• Review designs for moldability and manufacturing feasibility; input on part design, tolerances, and mold tooling
• Apply lean principles to reduce scrap, cycle time, and changeover; optimize workflow and equipment layout
• Validate process capability and set process standards; use SPC and DOE to solve defects
• Write setup sheets, work instructions, and visual aids for production teams
• Analyze production data, labor standards, and material costs; justify changes
• Collaborate with mold makers, material suppliers, and outside processors on reviews and improvements
• Mentor less experienced team members and support sales/customer visits while ensuring safety/compliance

Skills

Molded rubber/plastics

Lean manufacturing

DOE/SPC

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Plastics or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Engineer better ways to build custom molded rubber, urethane, and plastic parts.
Exotic Automation’s Rubber & Plastics group makes custom components to exact customer specifications. In-house we do compression and injection rubber molding, custom urethane molding and machining, plastic injection molding, CNC turning and milling, die cutting, and our own mold making. We also handle rapid prototyping and steel-to-plastic conversions. Our parts serve aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and industrial customers.

As our Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll own how we build. You’ll develop and improve molding and machining processes, tooling, and workflow in an AS9100 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR compliant operation.

What You Will Do

• Develop molding and machining processes. Set the methods and sequence of operations for new and existing parts. Develop and optimize process parameters for compression, injection, and urethane molding, and for secondary operations.
• Make it manufacturable. Review customer designs for moldability and manufacturing feasibility. Give input on part design, tolerances, materials, and mold and tooling design. Support new mold builds and steel-to-plastic conversions.
• Drive lean and continuous improvement. Apply lean principles to reduce scrap, cycle time, and changeover. Improve workflow, cell layout, and equipment layout for efficiency, safety, and reliability.
• Build in quality. Validate process capability and set process standards. Use SPC and design of experiments (DOE) to solve defects such as flash, voids, short shots, and dimensional variation.
• Communicate clearly. Write setup sheets, work instructions, and visual aids so production teams build it right every time.
• Manage cost and capacity. Analyze production data, labor standards, and material costs. Recommend process, material, and equipment changes backed by documented cost and quality impact.
• Work with suppliers. Partner with mold makers, material suppliers, and outside processors on technical reviews and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and support. Train less experienced team members, support sales and customer visits as needed, and keep processes compliant with safety and environmental requirements.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field (6 years of related technical experience may substitute)
• 6+ years of progressive manufacturing or process engineering experience in molded rubber or plastics
• Hands‑on knowledge of compression, injection, or urethane molding processes, materials, and tooling
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, SPC, and DOE
• Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, or NX
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives
• Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills for working with customers, suppliers, production teams, and leadership
• Mechanical aptitude and a hands‑on, shop‑floor mindset
• Experience with CNC machining, die cutting, or 3D printing is a plus

Why Exotic Automation

• Variety. You’ll work across rubber, urethane, and plastic processes, not a single production line.
• Impact. You’ll see your improvements on the floor and in parts we ship to aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial customers.
• Stability. Exotic is part of the Value Added Companies family.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package. Exotic offers full benefits and PTO.

This position requires access to information subject to ITAR; applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by 22 CFR 120.62

Exotic Automation maintains a drug-free workplace, including testing for marijuana

Exotic Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Working Conditions: Normal business office and industrial environment with regular (up to 100% of work time) exposure to noise, dust, office equipment, machinery, equipment and supplies