Thermoforming Process Development Specialist

Plastic Thermoforming Process Specialist

A challenging role for a highly skilled engineer to provide technical expertise and leadership in plastic thermoforming processes, ensuring high-quality production and efficient operations. The ideal candidate will have experience with plastics process engineering, thermoforming principles, and tooling operation design and maintenance.

About the Job

This position is responsible for providing sustaining engineering support for existing processes and production using technical and hands-on problem-solving techniques. The Process Engineer will provide input into the production, design, development, and implementation of thermoforming processes for existing and new products. Key areas of focus include daily customer and process-related issues, quality improvement, on-time delivery, and process efficiencies. The successful candidate will also be involved in Kaizen events, validation protocols, reports, and data analysis. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

- Provides technical expertise and leadership to the organization as the expert in thermoforming processes and tooling operation, design, maintenance, and repair.
- Focuses on daily customer and process-related issues to improve quality, on-time delivery, and process efficiencies. Implements corrective actions where appropriate.
- Plans, leads, executes, and completes projects to improve productivity and quality through proper investigation and data-driven six sigma principles.
- Provides engineering support for all manufacturing Kaizen events.
- Supports and develops validation protocols, reports, and provides objective evidence that equipment, processes, test methods, and products meet minimum requirements and are compliant with applicable specifications.
- Closes communication with customers, QA, suppliers, and product development teams on project matters, material issues, tooling and fixture design, process capability studies, and product quality issues for existing processes, products, and related projects.

Requirements

- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering; preferably in plastics engineering, polymer science, or materials science.
- Minimum of 3 years of plastics process engineering experience or equivalent required.
- Experience with Thermoforming Principles in a related manufacturing environment.
- Technical experience in thermoforming sheet materials.
- Proficient in English, both verbal and written communications.
- Ability to efficiently prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Preferred Skills

- Familiarity with automotive/heavy-duty trucking industry concepts, practices, and procedures.
- Strong project management skills.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing concepts.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to work independent of supervision and make complex decisions.
- Candidate must be a fast learner with a high attention to detail.
- Above-average organization and time management skills.

Benefits

The company offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical and RX coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) matching program. Employees also enjoy flexible scheduling options, gym credits, $2,000 perfect attendance bonuses, and referral incentives.

Physical Requirements

The job requires the ability to walk, sit, and stand, with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Typing, reading, listening, stooping, twisting, reaching, and climbing are also necessary. Regular travel may be required up to 20%.

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