Sr. Design Engineering Manager

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

We are seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center in Jefferson City, MO. This position will lead a team of design engineers and will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position reports to the Vice President of Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as 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.
• Experience leading and developing a team.
• Hands-on injection molding experience is a plus.
• SolidWorks knowledge.
• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.
• 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.