Engineering Technician

Role details

Techniplas is a global supplier of sophisticated plastic components and design-focused, multifunctional surfaces that are primarily for the automotive sector, as well as the industrial, consumer goods, medical and other markets. The company’s products follow industry trends like weight reduction and vehicle electrification, innovative operating concepts, high-quality surface finishes, and an increasing focus on convenience and safety.

The Techniplas Group runs 30 sites worldwide with production, sales and / or technology hubs and employs just under 4,000 members of staff. The company serves customers and platforms around the world, focusing on technological expertise and collaboration with customers in the fields of design and engineering. Techniplas has long-term relationships with many of the world’s leading automotive and industrial OEMs.

Job Summary

The Engineering Technician / Technical Writer supports injection molding, thermoforming, and assembly operations by solving hands-on process and equipment issues and turning engineering knowledge into clear, controlled documentation. About half the role is on the floor supporting trials, launches, and troubleshooting; the other half is creating and maintaining work instructions, setup sheets, PFMEAs, control plans, and training materials that operators, setup techs, and auditors rely on.

Responsibilities

• Support process and manufacturing engineers on new product launches, tool trials, and engineering changes for injection molding and thermoforming lines.
• Troubleshoot process, tooling, and fixture issues on the floor; collect data and help identify root cause.
• Document process parameters and setup conditions during trials, PPAP runs, and validated process changes.
• Perform dimensional checks and first-article inspections using calipers, height gauges, check fixtures, and other measuring tools.
• Participate in problem-solving activities (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) and track corrective actions to closure.
• Help build, modify, and maintain fixtures, poka-yokes, and work cell layouts.
• Collect and analyze production data (scrap, downtime, cycle time) and present findings to engineering and operations.
• Support continuous improvement, 5S, and safety initiatives in assigned areas.
• Write, revise, and maintain Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), setup sheets, process sheets, and visual aids, using photos and diagrams so operators can follow them at a glance.
• Update PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and control plans as processes change, in partnership with Engineering and Quality.
• Own document control for engineering documents: revision levels, approvals, distribution to the floor, and removal of obsolete copies.
• Audit the floor regularly to confirm posted documents are current and match how the job is actually run.
• Prepare and organize PPAP packages and customer-required documentation for submission.
• Create training materials and job aids for new parts, launches, and process changes; support Training in rolling them out to operators and setup techs.
• Write technical reports, trial summaries, and engineering change records in clear, plain language.
• Support IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and customer audits by locating records and answering documentation questions.
• Maintain organized electronic files and help standardize document templates across the plant.
• Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, Production Control, and production supervisors to keep engineering changes moving.

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering, quality, or technician role.
• Strong written communication; able to turn technical steps into clear, simple instructions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; comfortable adding photos and markups to documents.
• Able to read blueprints and engineering drawings and use basic measuring tools.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple documents and deadlines.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and with people at every level.

Preferred

• Associate degree in engineering technology, manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with injection molding, thermoforming, or plastics processing.
• Automotive supplier experience with IATF 16949 and core tools (APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans).
• Familiarity with document control systems and GD&T.
• Basic CAD skills (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) or Visio for diagrams.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Split between office and production floor (roughly 50/50).
• On the floor: exposure to noise, heat from molding and thermoforming equipment, and moving machinery; required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety shoes.
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods, climb stairs or step platforms, and bend, reach, and kneel.
• Able to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally.
• Extended computer work for writing and editing documents.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend work to support launches, trials, and audits.