Manufacturing Engineer l Plastics

Role details

The Manufacturing Engineer leads process optimization initiatives for sheet molding compound (SMC) production, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing performance. Working within a fast-paced automated environment, this position identifies opportunities to improve throughput, enhance material consistency, maximize equipment utilization, and reduce operational waste.

Client Details

Our client is a leading manufacturer of Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) and Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) materials, serving a diverse customer base across demanding industrial and commercial markets. Built on a foundation of technical expertise and long-standing customer relationships, the company has established a reputation for delivering high-quality composite solutions while maintaining the stability and consistency that employees value in a long-term career opportunity.

As the business continues to grow, it has remained committed to fostering a collaborative, people-focused culture where employees are empowered to contribute, innovate, and make a meaningful impact. Team members enjoy a supportive work environment, strong leadership, and opportunities for professional development, making this an excellent opportunity to join a thriving organization with both a bright future and a fantastic workplace culture.

Description

Process Optimization & Control

• Own and continuously improve SMC production processes, including resin mixing, doctor blade settings, glass fiber chopping systems, and conveyor operations.
• Monitor and adjust critical process parameters to ensure stable production and optimal product performance.
• Analyze production data and process trends to identify opportunities for increased throughput, efficiency, and consistency.
• Develop and implement process improvements that reduce variation and improve overall manufacturing performance.

Material Development & Trials

• Support the qualification and implementation of new raw materials, formulations, and product enhancements.
• Coordinate and execute material trials within the production environment.
• Collaborate with the Material Engineering team to evaluate process performance and provide technical feedback on material behavior and manufacturability.
• Document trial results and recommend process adjustments to support successful product launches.

Equipment Reliability & Process Support

• Partner with Maintenance and Operations teams to maximize equipment reliability, uptime, and production efficiency.
• Support troubleshooting efforts for mixers, compounding systems, cutting equipment, conveyors, and associated manufacturing assets.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades and process automation improvements.
• Work with external suppliers and vendors to evaluate and implement new tooling, fixtures, and material handling solutions.
• Participate in capital equipment and facility improvement projects.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives utilizing methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction principles.
• Apply Six Sigma tools including DOE, SPC, root cause analysis, and process capability studies to improve manufacturing performance.
• Drive initiatives focused on improving first-pass yield, reducing scrap, minimizing downtime, and optimizing cycle times.
• Utilize production metrics and operational data to support fact-based decision-making and project prioritization.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and maintain process control standards to ensure product consistency and compliance with customer specifications.
• Monitor key process variables including temperature, humidity, thickening characteristics, and resin-to-fiber ratios.
• Lead investigations into quality concerns, non-conformances, and process deviations.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.
• Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to improve process capability and product performance.

Documentation & Process Standards

• Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
• Ensure accurate batch records and production documentation are maintained for traceability and compliance requirements.
• Support standardization efforts across manufacturing operations.
• Lead process documentation updates associated with new products, equipment, and production improvements.

Safety & Environmental Leadership

• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical processing and manufacturing operations.
• Support safe handling practices for resins, catalysts, initiators, and other production materials.
• Identify and implement safety improvements related to equipment, machine guarding, ventilation systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Participate in safety audits, investigations, and continuous safety improvement efforts.

Profile

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a process-driven production environment.
• Experience with process optimization, continuous improvement, and manufacturing problem-solving.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience utilizing Lean Manufacturing and statistical process control methodologies.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across multiple departments.

Preferred

• Experience in SMC, BMC, composites, plastics, chemical processing, or related continuous manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies, DOE, SPC, and process capability analysis.
• Experience with automated manufacturing equipment and material handling systems.
• Familiarity with ERP and manufacturing data systems.
• Experience supporting capital projects and equipment installations.

Job Offer

• Salary up to $150,000
• Bonus Eligible Position
• 4 weeks PTO
• 401K Match
• Health, Dental, Vision
• More!

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.