Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will be a key leader in driving manufacturing excellence across a diverse range of processes including but not limited to injection molding, machining, assembly, extrusion, dipping, welding, and new product development. This role will lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic programs aligned with Operations Leadership priorities, focusing on capacity and capability improvements, cost reduction, quality enhancement, and capital investment. The ideal candidate will possess a broad understanding of manufacturing principles and a proven ability to implement innovative solutions across multiple disciplines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. (Other duties may be assigned.)

Process Optimization and Improvement:

• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across injection molding, machining, and high-level disinfection processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Employ structured problem-solving methodologies to resolve complex manufacturing challenges and eliminate waste.
• Lead initiatives to optimize process parameters, tooling design, and equipment utilization.

Injection Molding:

• Provide technical leadership in injection molding, utilizing industry best practices and advanced techniques to improve process stability and product consistency.
• Lead injection molding capacity and capability improvements, cost out initiatives, and quality enhancements.
• Lead injection molding related capital investment projects.

Machining and Fabrication:

• Apply knowledge of machining processes (e.g., CNC milling, turning) to optimize manufacturing workflows and improve part precision.
• Work with machining teams to improve processes and reduce waste.
• Lead machining related capital investment projects.

Coagulant Dipping:

• Provide technical leadership in coagulant dipping processes and equipment
• Lead coagulant dipping automation and quality enhancement initiatives

New Product Development:

• Collaborate with project, design and quality engineering teams to ensure the manufacturability of new products and lead design for manufacturability reviews.
• Contribute to the development of robust manufacturing processes for new product launches.

Team Leadership and Mentorship:

• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives within defined timelines and budgets.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to tool designers, process technicians, operators, and other manufacturing personnel.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Capital Investment:

• Lead capital investment projects related to injection molding and machining equipment.
• Work with vendors to ensure proper equipment specifications and installations.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of manufacturing processes, procedures, and improvements.
• Prepare and present reports on project progress, performance metrics, and improvement initiatives.

Automation:

• Drive innovation in manufacturing automation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies (e.g., robotics, vision systems, advanced sensors) to modernize production processes and create step-change improvements in efficiency and quality.
• Champion the introduction of new automation solutions where none currently exist, developing business cases, piloting technologies, and scaling successful implementations across manufacturing processes.
• Lead cross-functional innovation initiatives to bring cutting-edge automation concepts into production, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and positioning the organization at the forefront of smart manufacturing.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have product and equipment knowledge.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years in technical injection molding, machining and transfer to production and/or automation, rheology, coagulant dipping experience preferred
• Project management experience (PMP preferred but not required) and/or Lean Six Sigma Certification
• ‘Hands on’ track record applying injection molding fundamentals such as: plastic material processing guidelines, mold design and fabrication, mold processing and optimization, plastic part design best practices, tooling routine and preventative maintenance, injection molding press operation and optimization
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational and time management skills

Travel

There is an expectation that this position may travel up to 20% of the time.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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