Plastics Design Engineer

Mack Molding Company; Arlington (VT); On-site; USD 82,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Mack Molding Company in Arlington, Vermont seeks an experienced engineer to lead complex design and development projects. The role involves collaborating with customers to modify designs, operating structural simulation software, and overseeing engineering projects from innovation to execution.

A Bachelor's degree in engineering with 3–5 years of relevant experience is required, preferably in plastics or mechanical engineering. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential to ensure project success and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• 3–5 years of experience in engineering or design.
• Preference for plastics or mechanical engineering background.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct complex engineering design projects.
• Work with customers to modify designs based on requirements.
• Operate structural FEA software and moldflow simulation.
• Generate 2D prints and interpret technical specifications.
• Lead projects through all innovation phases.
• Provide support to lower-level personnel.
• Analyze engineering proposals and technical data.
• Travel frequently to different plant locations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Design principles

Problem solving

Project management

Customer service

Oral communication

Written communication

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

3–5 years of engineering or design experience

Job description

Summary

Plans and directs complex engineering design and development projects to support a number of customer programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with internal and external customers to generate and modify designs for functional and manufacturing requirements.
• Operate and interpret results from structural FEA software as well as moldflow simulation.
• Generate and interpret 2D prints and associated tolerance stack‑up analyses and GD&T.
• Understand and select plastic materials for manufacturing and functional requirements.
• Lead engineering for complex projects through all phases of innovation and development.
• Develop new tools and designs and oversee modification of existing tools, jigs, fixtures, and machines that meet specialized design and performance specifications.
• Provide engineering support, work direction and technical expertise to lower‑level department personnel.
• Analyze engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data relating to product design.
• Perform various customer service and project management activities, assuring the highest level of customer satisfaction.
• Provide engineering support during samplings from preparation through follow‑up.
• Interface with manufacturing regarding design and engineering issues.
• Manage critical information such as blueprints, production print check sheets, engineering change orders and other correspondence.
• Frequent travel between plant locations and occasionally to domestic and international destinations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
• Design: Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.
• Project Management: Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and within budget; manages project team activities.
• Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits feedback; meets commitments.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; answers questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; reads and interprets written information.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback; monitors own work to ensure quality.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in an engineering discipline plus 3–5 years of engineering or design experience. Plastics or mechanical engineering preferred.
• Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Math Ability: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical information.