Sr. Design Engineering Manager

About the role

American Plastics, 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. We are seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer Manager specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Jefferson City, MO.

Responsibilities

• Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.
• Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.
• Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.
• Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.
• Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.
• Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.
• Research and Innovation: 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
• Excellent at leading and developing a team
• Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.
• 7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products
• SolidWorks knowledge
• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication skills