NPD Project Engineer: From Quote to Production Launch

VRC Engineered Solutions; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

VRC Engineered Solutions seeks a Project Engineer to bridge customers, sales, manufacturing, and vendors from concept to production launch. You will combine technical cost estimation and quoting with hands-on NPD project management, guiding programs through successful production.

The role requires knowledge of injection molding, tooling design, and DFM, plus project management to keep programs on track and deliver results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics/Polymer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical manufacturing experience
• 3–5+ years of engineering experience within plastic or rubber injection molding, tooling, or manufacturing environments
• Experience managing customer programs from concept through launch
• Strong understanding of molding processes, tooling design, and materials
• Experience reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings and 3D CAD models
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

• Review customer CAD models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturability and project feasibility
• Conduct DFM reviews and recommend design, tooling, and material improvements
• Develop mold concepts, tooling quotations, and manufacturing cost estimates
• Support customer discussions and quoting activities with technical expertise
• Lead projects from award through production launch
• Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and customer expectations
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Tooling, Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing
• Oversee tooling fabrication, mold trials, sample submissions, and launch activities
• Lead APQP requirements, including FMEA, PPAP, and process validation
• Monitor project progress, mitigate risks, and ensure successful production implementation

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

3D CAD interpretation

Mold design understanding

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng / Plastics / Polymer / IE

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Pro/Engineer

Job description

VRC Engineered Solutions seeks a Project Engineer to bridge customers, sales, manufacturing, and vendors from concept to production launch. You will combine technical cost estimation and quoting with hands-on NPD project management, guiding programs through successful production.

The role requires knowledge of injection molding, tooling design, and DFM, plus project management to keep programs on track and deliver results.