What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at Plasticade?
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER
Elkhart, IN
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Elkhart, IN
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Lead manufacturing capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, equipment/vendor selection, budget management, project scheduling, installation coordination, commissioning, validation, and post-installation performance review
- Identify, prioritize, and implement process improvements that improve throughput and OEE, reduce scrap and waste, improve ergonomics and operator safety, and reduce manufacturing cost
- Partner with Maintenance and Production to develop and improve Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) practices, including preventive and predictive maintenance, equipment standards, downtime analysis, and root-cause corrective actions
- Design and implement jigs and fixtures to streamline post-production assembly and quality control processes
- Spend up to 40% of working time on the production floor supporting equipment installations, troubleshooting, process trials, test runs, mold validation, and continuous improvement activities
- Develop and maintain technical expertise in crumb rubber and liquid binder compression molding technologies
- Monitor and analyze production data to identify and target areas for continuous improvement
- Develop a working knowledge of PLC logic to troubleshoot and enhance existing systems
- Associates/Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline, OR 7-10 years relevant experience
- Experience managing manufacturing projects, including vendor coordination, budgets, schedules, installation, and commissioning
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability and willingness to spend 20–40% of working time on the production floor
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and project-management skills
- Experience with compression molding, rubber processing, or similar manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics/compressed air, and industrial equipment
- Experience with TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement methodologies
- PLC troubleshooting or programming experience
- Experience designing and implementing automated manufacturing systems
- Experience with equipment installation and field engineering
- Familiarity with material-handling systems
- Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping
- When in office: moderate noise levels & prolonged computer use. Frequent presence in non-climate-controlled, high-noise production & warehouse areas where appropriate PPE must be worn
- Compensation: $95,000 - $125,000
Salary : $95,000 - $125,000