Project Engineer

Connect Search, LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC in Milwaukee seeks a Project Engineer to lead cross-functional projects from quoting and development through production launch.

You will review part designs for manufacturability, evaluate tooling and mold designs, and apply APQP, DOE, and process validation to drive quality and cost improvements. The role requires strong project management, the ability to manage multiple programs, and close collaboration with suppliers and internal teams to ensure on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in plastics, rubber, silicone, or molded component manufacturing, preferably medical device.
• Demonstrated experience with medical molding, rubber/silicone molding, or injection molding processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturability, tooling, mold design, and molding processes.
• Knowledge of APQP, DOE, capability studies, process validation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects from quoting through production launch.
• Review customer part designs for manufacturability and draft/parting line considerations.
• Evaluate tooling requirements and review mold designs for functionality.
• Apply medical molding knowledge for device components manufacturing.
• Utilize HCR, gum silicone, LSR molding processes to support development.
• Develop manufacturing processes using APQP and related quality methodologies.
• Support DOE, process capability studies, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external suppliers; manage schedules and budgets.

Skills

Project management

Design for manufacturability

APQP/DOE

Mold design knowledge

Automation assessment

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Tools

MS Project

Gantt charts

Job description

Summary

Connect Search is hiring a Project Engineer in Milwaukee.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects from the quoting and development stages through successful production launch.
• Review customer part designs and provide input regarding manufacturability, including draft, side actions, shutoffs, parting lines, and other fundamental design considerations.
• Evaluate tooling requirements based on part geometry and manufacturing needs; review mold designs and provide recommendations related to mold construction and functionality.
• Apply strong knowledge of medical molding and medical device component manufacturing requirements.
• Utilize experience with high-consistency rubber (HCR), gum silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), and related molding processes to support product and process development.
• Apply knowledge of thermoplastic and thermoset injection molding processes; experience with these materials and processes is highly desirable.
• Develop and implement robust manufacturing processes utilizing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and related quality methodologies.
• Support and participate in Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability studies, process development, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Apply knowledge of steel-safe/tolerance-safe tooling concepts to support design optimization and process development.
• Evaluate automation opportunities, including press robots, automated assembly systems, inspection systems, and other production automation.
• Evaluate secondary operations such as deflashing, assembly, testing, decorating, inspection, and other value-added processes.
• Assess process alternatives and their associated costs to identify practical, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, milestones, and deliverables using project management tools such as MS Project and Gantt charts.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining priorities, timelines, budgets, and customer commitments.
• Coordinate activities with internal teams and external suppliers, including mold, tooling, automation, and equipment suppliers.
• Serve as a technical resource and professional representative of the company with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively communicate project status, issues, and changes.
• Support successful transition of new products and processes into production while ensuring quality, cost, timing, and customer requirements are met.
• Maintain appropriate project documentation and ensure compliance with company procedures and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in plastics, rubber, silicone, or molded component manufacturing, preferably within a medical device or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with medical molding, rubber/silicone molding, and/or injection molding processes.
• Strong understanding of part design for manufacturability, tooling, mold design, and molding processes.
• Working knowledge of APQP, DOE, capability studies, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.