Manufacturing Engineer - Thermoforming

Sportech, Inc.; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 88,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision plan

Disability benefits

Life insurance

401k with match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Volunteer time

SLA & tuition assistance

Job summary

Sportech, Inc. in Elk River, MN, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer specialized in vacuum thermoforming. You will provide process leadership, support prototypes through production, and drive improvements across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, lean practices, and hands-on tooling development to optimize manufacturing workflows. Benefit-rich package eligible for full-time employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Plastic Engineering (equivalent work experience may be considered).
• 5+ years manufacturing plastic forming experience required.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD Software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong ability to implement change with positive impact on department and company performance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Aid in production transfers from NPD to manufacturing for vacuum thermoformed products.
• Develop process documentation (Process Flow, FEMA, operator instructions, standardized work).
• Create tooling and gauging for thermoformed parts; support tooling design reviews.
• Enter and maintain MOM operations in ERP.
• Drive improvements to manufacturing methods using design, materials, and processes knowledge.
• Support production during product development (prototype to production).
• Improve efficiency by analyzing workflow, space, and equipment layout.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing problems and tooling issues.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and new equipment.
• Lead need assessments for new process development and installations.
• Contribute to LEAN manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify and track cost-saving ideas.

Skills

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

Process improvement

Documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Materials/Plastic Engineering

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Description

Sportech is a rapidly growing company in Elk River, MN. We are looking for talented people who wish to join a values-based company that desires to help our people and customers win. We design, manufacture, and assemble cab components and systems for the powersports, golf and turf, industrial and agricultural end markets. Our design and engineering capabilities allow us to provide complex components and assemblies to our original equipment manufacturer customers. We are always on the gas and seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals to join our extraordinary team.

Sportech offers eligible full-time employees a robust and competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options, including flexible spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCA)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Basic life insurance and voluntary life insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans, pet insurance, and legal/identity theft services
• 401k plan with up to a 4% employer match
• Paid company holidays, paid vacation, and paid volunteer time
• Sportech Learning Academy (SLA) with courses offered onsite quarterly, focusing on personal and professional growth and development for employees, and tuition reimbursement options for courses completed outside of Sportech

Further benefits information is provided as part of the offer process for any offer extended by Sportech. Pay varies by position and is based on multiple factors including labor market data and, depending on position, may include education, work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or certifications. Additionally, Sportech takes into account the internal equity of current employees when considering compensation. Sportech’s reasonable and good‑faith estimate for the range of new hire compensation at the time of posting for this position is between $88,000 - $98,000 annually. Pay may also include variable compensation from time to time such as overtime for non-exempt positions, shift differential for specific shifts, and/or bonus targets (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer specialized in Vacuum Thermoforming will have a “process improvement and ownership attitude” to provide process leadership and support of overall plant objectives. This individual will have input in numerous areas of the business including prototype support through production assembly of plastic vacuum thermoformed products.

1. Ongoing recommendations, support, and implementation of plans for improved safety, quality, delivery and cost.
2. Assist in improving manufacturing processes by utilizing continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
3. Work with NPD on best practices for cost and manufacturability are applied during product design and to help insure seamless transition from design through pre-production to fully implemented manufacturing.

Essential Job Functions

• Aid in production transfers from NPD to manufacturing focusing on vacuum thermoformed products.
• Develop process documentation including Process Flow and FEMA, Operator instructions, standardized work, and preventive maintenance recommendations.
• Develop new tooling and gauging to better plastic thermoformed parts and processing. Support tooling design reviews and improvements.
• Accurately enter and maintain Method of Manufacture (MOM) operations within ERP system.
• Develop, evaluate, and drive improvements to manufacturing methods, utilizing knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality control standards within the vacuum thermoforming process.
• Support production floor during all phases of product development (prototype through improvements to existing products.)
• Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing problems and related tooling, equipment or process issues.
• Recommend, support and implement improvements, modifications, or additions that will improve work processes.
• Take the lead in analyzing the need for new process development and to meet company needs including specifying, ordering and installing new equipment or processes.
• Contribute to the definition, development and implementation of LEAN manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify, implement and track cost savings ideas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Plastic Engineering (equivalent work experience may be considered)
• 5+ years manufacturing plastic forming experience required.
• Must have general understanding of multiple manufacturing processes including machining and assembly practices, tools and fixturing in plastic forming and processing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD Software (preferably Solidworks). In addition to fixture design, must be able to open, view and manipulate assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to implement change in a way that positively impacts overall department and company performance.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must excel at working in a team environment with a high level of people/interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to cross functionally drive results.
• Knowledge of ERP software preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely and effectively use hand and power tools.
• Ability to consistently wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work in a production facility with fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and noise levels.
• Ability to perform precision work requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control without damaging molds, tooling, or other equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed.
• Ability to safely work around manufacturing machinery and equipment.