Sr. Design Engineering Manager

About the Company

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., Solid Works, 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.

• 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 of experience with product design of plastic injection molded products.
• Solid Works 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.

We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401(k), and paid vacation.

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.