Manufacturing Engineer; Injection Molding

At Schaefer Plastics, we are manufacturing industry-leading solutions and driving responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn.

We excel in injection molding, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

*** This position is not open to sponsorship.

We are seeking a hands‑on, results‑driven Manufacturing Engineer to support and optimize our injection molding operations. This role is heavily floor‑focused and operationally engaged. If you enjoy walking the floor, solving real‑time problems, improving systems that actually get implemented, and seeing your impact reflected in performance metrics, this role is for you!

• A floor‑focused engineer who enjoys being in the operation, not just behind a computer
• Someone who can consolidate scattered efforts and bring structure to improvement initiatives
• A proactive problem solver who turns discussion into execution

• A leader who collaborates effectively with Production, Maintenance, and Plant

• Walk production lines daily to evaluate performance and identify constraints
• Make real‑time adjustments to improve throughput and line efficiency
• Partner with Production to remove bottlenecks and improve operator flow
• Define and improve production layouts and material flow
• Optimize injection molding processes to maximize product quality and throughput while minimizing machine wear
• Lead parameter optimization, DOE experiments, and structured process trials
• Train and support Process Technicians on optimized process settings

• Lead troubleshooting efforts for machine downtime and recurring production issues
• Identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
  
  Define, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement projects
• Drive initiatives from concept through implementation and documentation
• Maintain cohesive documentation across projects and process changes
• Ensure improvement initiatives result in measurable, sustained gains

• Lead raw material trials, ensuring cross‑functional coordination and documentation
• Improve documentation consistency for trials, approvals, and SDS records
• Define processes and equipment improvements to maximize use of recycled materials
• Ensure trial results are documented, approved, and fully implemented

• Assist with capital equipment justification and replacement planning
• Define equipment specifications and develop ROI justifications
• Manage approved projects through installation and commissioning
• Collect and present data to support investment decisions

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field)
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Injection molding experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated hands‑on troubleshooting ability in a production setting
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with Solid Works preferred
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally

• * Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Schaefer Plastics does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
• Must be willing and able to work extended hours and/or weekends with minimal notice, as needed
• Ability to travel up to 10% for business purposes
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate

This requires a manufacturing engineer who will evaluate production performance daily, troubleshoot downtime, lead continuous improvement initiatives, optimize molding processes, and drive measurable gains in throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.

This individual will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and scalable.