Manufacturing Engineer – MV

Richards Manufacturing Co.; Irvington (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Richards Manufacturing Co. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer at its Irvington, NJ facility. This role focuses on supporting rubber injection molding operations for medium voltage electrical products. Responsibilities include identifying and resolving process defects, conducting process capability studies, and collaborating with quality teams to ensure product reliability. Candidates should possess a BS degree in a relevant engineering field and strong analytical skills. Hands-on experience in manufacturing is preferred. Join a company with over 70 years of industry experience.

Qualifications

• Understanding of polymer/elastomer processing principles.
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality system.
• Proficiency with engineering drawings and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Identify and resolve process defects using structured problem-solving methods.
• Conduct process capability studies and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with Quality to investigate non-conformances.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication skills

Hands-on involvement

Understanding of polymer processing

Knowledge of medium voltage electrical products

Education

BS degree in Mechanical, Materials, Polymer, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Excel

Job description

Richards Manufacturing Company is a producer of electrical and gas distribution equipment for utility and commercial/industrial markets. For over 70 years Richards has served the industry with quality, dependability, and outstanding customer service. With humble beginnings as a family owned and operated business—originally entering the market as a producer of a single style of underground connector—Richards has evolved to offer a wide selection of products across several product lines. Our offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Irvington, NJ—approximately 14 miles west of New York City.

Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer to support our rubber injection molding operations for medium voltage electrical products. This role is central to producing high-reliability components used in power distribution applications, where process consistency and quality are non-negotiable. You’ll work on the production floor and in close collaboration with quality, tooling, and operations teams.

Location: Onsite, Richards Manufacturing Facility (Irvington, NJ)

Reports to: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and resolve process defects (voids, flash, short shots, cure inconsistencies) using structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Conduct process capability studies (Cpk) and implement improvements to reduce variation
• Develop and maintain process control plans, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for molded components
• Collaborate with Quality to investigate non-conformances and execute corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) and process qualification activities
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and customer-specific quality requirements
• Develop and maintain acceptable tolerance limits for molded items both internally and at Chardon, including best-worst sample system.
• Manage test runs of rubber, components, or new product designs on molding floor and production implementation.
• Interface with materials engineering and chemist in the evaluation of new compound
• Interface with tooling engineer as necessary for tooling repair, implementation, etc.
• Take part in mold design meetings to help identify issues/considerations.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical, Materials, Polymer, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering
• Understanding of polymer/elastomer processing principles (rubber injection, compression, or transfer molding a plus)
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality system
• Proficiency with engineering drawings, GD&T, and measurement tools
• Familiarity with SPC tools or statistical software (Minitab, Excel, etc.)

Special Skills:

• Strong analytical and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with hands‑on involvement on the production floor
• Knowledge of medium voltage electrical products or related industries a plus