Sr. Design Engineer

American Plastics, LLC, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets.

About the role

The Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics will join our team at our Innovation Center in Mooresville, NC. This role involves designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The position reports to the Vice President of Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.
• Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.
• Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.
• Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.
• Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Plastics Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience with product design of plastic injection molded products.
• SolidWorks knowledge.
• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.
• Hands-on injection molding experience a plus.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Full benefits package including medical and dental.
• 401k.
• Paid vacation.