Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title:

Project Engineer

Job Description

The Project Engineer will lead a new product launch onsite at a major automotive customer, managing the project from concept through production launch. This role focuses on project management, design-for-manufacturability oversight, and development of comprehensive quality plans for plastic injection and blow molded components in an automotive environment.

Responsibilities

+ Manage the entire project lifecycle from initial design handoff through production launch, ensuring timing, quality, and cost targets are met.

+ Act as the primary onsite engineering contact at the customer facility, representing the internal engineering and project teams.

+ Oversee the design-for-manufacturability process, reviewing designs at a high level to ensure they are suitable for plastic injection molding and blow molding.

+ Create and maintain detailed quality plans for each part, including FMEAs, control plans, work instructions, work cell layouts, and PPAP documentation.

+ Develop and update PFMEAs and related risk assessments in collaboration with customer and internal engineering teams.

+ Prepare and manage PPAP submissions to meet automotive customer requirements and timelines.

+ Use Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools to develop Gantt charts, flow charts, and project tracking documents.

+ Coordinate and lead weekly project management meetings, providing clear updates on status, risks, and action items.

+ Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including quality, manufacturing, design, sales, maintenance, and customer service, to resolve issues and keep the project on schedule.

+ Manage engineering change orders and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

+ Support troubleshooting and problem-solving activities related to plastic injection and blow molded parts during development and launch.

+ Ensure that work cell layouts and work instructions align with safety, quality, and efficiency objectives.

+ Communicate project progress, risks, and mitigation plans effectively to both customer and internal stakeholders.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

+ 4+ years of experience as a Project Engineer or Project Manager.

+ 4+ years of experience managing projects from design through launch.

+ 4+ years of experience creating quality plans, including FMEAs, control plans, work instructions, work cell layouts, and PPAPs.

+ 4+ years of experience working in the automotive industry.

+ 4+ years of experience with plastic injection molding, plastics manufacturing, and blow molding processes.

+ Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and timelines.

+ High-level understanding of mechanical design and design for manufacturability, particularly for plastics and injection molds.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and PowerPoint, for creating Gantt charts, flow charts, and project documentation.

+ Ability to develop and manage FMEA and PFMEA documentation.

+ Experience preparing and managing PPAP submissions for automotive customers.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with Solid Works or similar mechanical design software.

+ Background in mechanical engineering and mechanical design for plastic components.

+ Familiarity with injection blow molding and related tooling concepts.

+ Experience handling engineering change orders and project coordination in a manufacturing environment.

+ Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and customer representatives.

+ Proven ability to independently spearhead and drive projects to completion.

+ Interest in opportunities that may extend beyond the initial contract or convert to a permanent role.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite at the customer's automotive facility, working closely with customer teams on a day-to-day basis. The environment is a combination of office and manufacturing floor, interacting frequently with production, quality, and maintenance personnel. Standard business hours typically apply, with weekly project management meetings and regular…