Manufacturing Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface between customers, suppliers, and product engineering teams, with a strong focus on Plastics Injection Molding processes .
• Develop, implement, and optimize injection molding processes, methods, tools, equipment, and controls to ensure design integrity, cost efficiency, product quality, and operational excellence.
• Oversee all aspects of prototype development and builds , ensuring successful project execution from concept to production.
• Actively identify and apply new manufacturing technologies; evaluate and report on opportunities to improve cost, quality, and productivity.
• Participate in product design activities to ensure manufacturability, optimal productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain effective cross-functional communication and issue regular project status reports to management.
• Prepare manufacturing feasibility and cost studies for new or existing products, materials, and processes; recommend process improvements for efficiency and quality.
• Support tooling and equipment selection, approval, and development to meet manufacturing requirements and design intent.
• Ensure all tooling meets timing, cosmetic, and functional goals ; oversee in-house tooling repairs, laser welding, and hot runner maintenance.
• Supervise tool technicians to ensure preventive maintenance, adherence to 5S standards, and compliance with safety regulations.
• Coordinate contractor repair services , defining project scope and timelines.
• Act as a custodian of manufacturing processes and problem-solving strategies to preserve product design intent.
• Serve as Pre-Launch Team champion for new programs; document meetings, track checklists, and maintain issue lists and feasibility assessments.
• Create and maintain program review documentation and lead continuous improvement activities to maintain part quality.
• Review and approve process parameter changes to resolve quality issues.
• Supervise Process Technicians , including scheduling, task assignments, rotation, vacation approval, and performance evaluations.
• Review and design daily production schedules to support molding operations.
• Administer molding processes using RJG eDart (preferred), and coordinate troubleshooting to minimize scrap and downtime.
• Audit process lockdown parameters to ensure part integrity and compliance.
• Design and program robotic pick-and-place operations and configure EOAT (End of Arm Tooling) to minimize cycle times while meeting safety and quality standards.
• Identify and manage critical spare parts inventory for molding tools through periodic audits.
• Enhance plant layout to optimize space and equipment utilization; assist with plant expansion planning and design for upcoming programs.
• Prepare and submit Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR) for new equipment and manage associated budgets.
• Track and maintain project timelines using Microsoft Project , coordinating across multiple departments to meet capital project milestones.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives using structured tools such as Toyota Production System (TPS), 8D, and A3 methodologies .
• Collaborate with corporate teams to share and implement best practices in manufacturing and business operations.

Requirements :

Preferred Qualifications :

PRIMARY LOCATION

Avanzar San Antonio Facility