Mechanical Automation Engineer

About the Company:

Our client is a growing company that manufactures plastic packaging solutions for manufacturing supply chains throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Quality is the hallmark of the company's brand.

Job Overview:

As Mechanical Automation Engineer, you'll be a key member of the technical team responsible for plastic injection molding presses and robotic automation systems at a world class plant in the packaging industry. In this role, you'll design experiments, set up and troubleshooting automations, propose investments in machines and equipment, integrate new projects into production, and drive continuous improvement of plastic injection molding techniques. Your contributions will help ensure equipment reliability, product quality, and production efficiency.

You're prepared with a degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, plastics engineering, or a related field and/or 3-5 years technical experience in manufacturing. Experience in plastic injection molding and experience with MATEC systems is a plus.

You'll report directly to the Technical Manager and will contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include:

Designing Experiments:

· Determine performance objectives and business needs.

· Determine measures of progress and success.

· Conduct performance testing for product and process design.

· Collect, analyze, and report data.

· Discover design sensitivities, understand aspects of prototypes, set design settings, find the process and parts acceptable for use, etc.

· Improve production efficiency, product reliability, and availability.

Troubleshooting Automations:

· Troubleshoot industrial machinery mechanical and automation issues

· Update, adjust, and troubleshoot PLC programs

Project Management:

· Contribute to technical projects related to process improvement, cost reduction, and equipment upgrades.

· Evaluate the need for new equipment upgrades or replacements.

· Prepare capital expenditure requests and managing the budget for equipment purchases.

· Lead new equipment integration initiatives, including testing, process development, and validation.

· Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure smooth transition from design to production.

Collaboration with Multi-Disciplinary Peers:

· Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve process-related issues impacting product quality and efficiency.

· Support the maintenance team in identifying and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions on complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic injection molding machines.

· Work with mold designers and vendors to optimize mold designs for efficient production.

· Collaborate with Quality to implement process changes based on data analysis and scientific molding principles to optimize machine settings and material usage.

· Coordinate with external vendors for specialized services.

Technical Leadership:

· Stay updated on industry trends and new technologies in plastic injection molding.

· Provide technical expertise, training, and support to the production team, resolving complex manufacturing issues.

· Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

· Establish and enforcing safety procedures and protocols.

Reporting and Documentation:

· Generate reports on activities, costs, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Located in or able to relocate to the greater Phoenix, Arizona area.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Plastics, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Superb analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Excellent decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of mold design, maintenance, and tooling practices.
• Fundamental understanding of plastic injection molding processes and principles, including material science, machine operation, and quality control principles.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molding machinery, including hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, and PLC controls.
• Experience with MATEC systems, a plus.
• Experience in manufacturing operations, including process development and troubleshooting.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair injection molding presses and robotics.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Available to provide on-call support to the team, with urgency, as needed.
• Stays updated on new technologies and maintenance best practices within the industry.