Plastics Design Engineer

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include the following; 

• Works with internal and external customers to generate and modify designs for functional and manufacturing requirements
• Ability to operate and understand/communicate results from structural FEA software as well as moldflow simulation
• Generation and interpretation of 2D prints and associated tolerance stack up analyses and GD&T
• Understanding and selecting plastic materials for manufacturing and functional requirements
• Plans and directs engineering associated with complex projects through all phases of innovation and development
• Develops new tools and designs and oversees the modification of existing tools, jigs, fixtures and machines that must meet specialized design and performance specifications
• Provides engineering support, work direction and technical expertise to lower-level department personnel
• Analyzes engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data relating to product design
• Performs various customer service and project management activities, assuring highest level of customer satisfaction
• Provides engineering support during samplings from preparation through follow-up.
• Interfaces with manufacturing regarding design and engineering issues.
• Manages such critical information as blueprints, production print check sheets, engineering change orders and other correspondence.
• Frequent travel between plant locations and occasionally to domestic and international destinations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows 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; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; 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 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.

Education/Experience:

Bachelors Degree (B.S.) in Engineering discipline plus 3 – 5 years of engineering or design experience required. 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 effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and 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 instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract or concrete variables. 

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Development software; Design software; CAD; Order processing systems and Project Management software.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, occasionally loud.

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 stand; walk; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,  depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.