Sr. Design Engineering Manager

Description American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets. We are seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Jefferson City, MO. This position will lead a team of design engineers and will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering. · Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. · CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies. · Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function. · Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations. · Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing. · Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. · Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. · Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records. · Cross-functional Collaboration : Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines. · Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes. Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering • Excellent at leading and developing a team • Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus. • 7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products • SolidWorks knowledge. • Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes. • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. • Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams. • Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles. • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. • Strong communication skills. If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.