New Product Manufacturing Development Engineer

RD Rubber Technology Corporation; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RD Rubber Technology Corporation in Santa Fe Springs, CA, seeks a New Product Manufacturing Development Engineer to bridge design and production. You will design, scale, and validate robust manufacturing processes that move elastomeric parts from prototype to high-volume production.

Key duties include leading NPD, tooling and process design, DOE-based optimization, PFMEA creation, SOPs, and factory support to drive Lean/Six Sigma improvements and cost reductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• Proficient in SolidWorks or Verisurf for tool/fixture design.
• Knowledge of injection molding, CNC, assembly, or 3D printing.
• Experience with Minitab and SPC methods.
• 5+ years in rubber/plastics manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD from prototype to full commercialization.
• Collaborate with toolmakers on molds and tooling.
• Apply DOE and SPC to reduce defects and variation.
• Create PFMEA, control plans, SOPs, and IQ/OQ/PQ protocols.
• Support production with Lean initiatives and cost reduction.

Skills

5+ years experience

SPC knowledge

Minitab

Lean Six Sigma

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Verisurf

Injection molding

CNC machining

Job description

About the Company:

Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest quality and best delivery of products and services that meet or exceed expectations. We are dedicated to remaining at the forefront of the custom rubber molded components industry through continual improvement and innovation with the use of engineered manufacturing techniques.

Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled New Product Manufacturing Development Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be the critical link between design innovation and operational execution. Your goal is to design, scale, and validate robust manufacturing processes that transition prototype concepts into profitable, high-volume production lines.

Duties and responsibilities include the following:

• New Product Development (NPD): Lead the transition of elastomeric parts (such as EPDM, NBR, FKM, or Liquid Silicone Rubber) from prototype design to full commercialization.
• Tooling & Process Design: Partner with toolmakers to design, procure, and validate injection and compression molds, ensuring optimal gating, venting, and cycle times.
• Process Optimization: Apply scientific molding principles and Design of Experiments (DOE) to resolve cure defects, flash, shrinkage, and dimensional variations.
• Validation & Documentation: Create Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), control plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols.
• Production Support: Troubleshoot shop-floor manufacturing issues, improve operational efficiency, and lead Lean/Six Sigma cost-reduction initiatives.

Details:

• ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management System.
• AS9100:2016 Certified Quality Management System.
• DOD Registered.
• NIST 800-171 compliant.
• ITAR Registered.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software (such as SolidWorks, Verisurf) for tool and fixture design.
• Deep understanding of various manufacturing fabrication processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, assembly, or 3D printing).
• Working knowledge of statistical software (like Minitab) and statistical process control (SPC) techniques.
• Over 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Rubber and Plastic industry experience preferred.