Project Engineer - Plastics

The Project Engineer leads the technical and project management aspects of new and existing programs in a plastics manufacturing environment (commonly injection molding, with possible exposure to extrusion, film, compounding, or secondary operations). This role owns projects from early feasibility/quoting through tooling, process development, validation, and successful handoff to production. The ideal candidate combines strong plastics process and tooling knowledge with solid project management skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new product introduction (NPI) and capital/process improvement projects from concept or RFQ through production launch and operational handoff.
• Develop and manage project scope, timelines, budgets, milestones, and risk plans; communicate status regularly to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate part designs for manufacturability (draft, wall thickness, shutoffs, side actions, gating, tolerances, material selection) and provide DFM feedback.
• Coordinate mold/tool design reviews, construction, trials, modifications, and qualification with internal tooling teams and external toolmakers.
• Support process development and optimization (scientific molding principles, DOE, capability studies, cycle time, scrap reduction).
• Assist sales/commercial teams with technical quoting, cost estimation, feasibility assessments, and customer technical discussions.
• Lead cross-functional teams (design, tooling, process, quality, production, supply chain) and manage external suppliers/vendors.
• Ensure projects meet quality, cost, delivery, safety, and regulatory requirements (ISO, IATF, medical device standards where applicable).
• Maintain accurate documentation (BOMs, ECOs, process documentation, validation packages, work instructions).
• Support continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, and troubleshooting of production issues related to tooling or process.
• Participate in equipment installation, modification, startup, and validation activities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Typically 3–5+ years of relevant experience in plastics manufacturing, preferably injection molding (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Strong working knowledge of injection molding processes, polymer materials, mold design/construction, and secondary operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk mitigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interfacing with customers and suppliers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and project management tools; experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) is highly desirable.
• Understanding of quality systems and documentation practices (APQP, PPAP, DOE, process validation concepts).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medical device, automotive, or other regulated plastics manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with mold trials, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and scientific injection molding.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with automation, robotics, or secondary processes (assembly, decorating, etc.).
• Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) is a plus.

Work Environment

This is typically an on-site role in a manufacturing facility. The position involves time on the production floor, in meetings with cross-functional teams, and occasional travel to customers or suppliers. Standard manufacturing safety practices apply (PPE required on the floor).

Please forward confidential resume to:  Barbara Collins at barbara.collins@gogpac.com

Must be eligible to work in the US

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.