Plastics Engineer

Hunter Recruiting; Wooster (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Recruiting is seeking a Plastics Engineer II to support manufacturing operations through product and process improvements, equipment implementation, and process optimization. The role emphasizes hands-on work in plastics manufacturing, injection molding, and blow molding with close collaboration across teams.

The ideal candidate will contribute to product and process development, drive efficiency, and manage engineering projects from planning to execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Plastics, Packaging Engineering, or related field.
• Alternatively, 10+ years of plastics manufacturing experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with injection molding, blow molding, or plastics processing.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily engineering support for molding, blow molding, automation, quality, and tooling operations to achieve production and business objectives.
• Lead and support product and process improvement initiatives to enhance quality, productivity, and manufacturing performance.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Design and develop plastic components for new and existing products.
• Coordinate new product introductions with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Product Development, Quality, and Marketing.
• Plan, manage, and execute engineering projects, including scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, and timeline management.
• Develop operating procedures, work instructions, training materials, and startup documentation for new processes and equipment.
• Document engineering projects, process modifications, and equipment changes to maintain accurate records.

Skills

Plastics manufacturing

Injection molding

Blow molding

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or related field

Tools

Creo

SOLIDWORKS

Job description

We are seeking a Plastics Engineer II to support manufacturing operations through product and process improvements, new product introductions, equipment implementation, and process optimization. This role partners closely with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, automation, supply chain, and product development teams to improve production efficiency, resolve technical challenges, and ensure successful execution of engineering projects. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with experience in plastics manufacturing, injection molding, blow molding, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily engineering support for molding, blow molding, automation, quality, and tooling operations to achieve production and business objectives.
• Lead and support product and process improvement initiatives to enhance quality, productivity, and manufacturing performance.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Design and develop plastic components for new and existing products.
• Contribute to product design and help establish product specifications and performance requirements.
• Create, update, and maintain component and assembly documentation.
• Specify, design, procure, install, and validate new manufacturing equipment and processes while ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead or participate in process validation activities and equipment qualification.
• Coordinate new product introductions with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Product Development, Quality, and Marketing.
• Plan, manage, and execute engineering projects, including scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, and timeline management.
• Support supply chain engineering initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct line trials for new products, tooling, equipment, and automation systems.
• Develop operating procedures, work instructions, training materials, and startup documentation for new processes and equipment.
• Document engineering projects, process modifications, and equipment changes to maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate across multiple departments to drive successful project execution and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of relevant plastics manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting injection molding, blow molding, plastics processing, or related manufacturing operations.
• Experience with CAD software such as Creo or SOLIDWORKS strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of process improvement, manufacturing troubleshooting, equipment installation, and process validation.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills

• Injection molding and blow molding process knowledge
• Product and process development
• Manufacturing process optimization
• Automation and tooling support
• Equipment installation and commissioning
• Technical documentation and specifications