Design Engineering Manager

This role leads a team of design engineers focused on the design and development of plastic components and products at a new Innovation Center in Jefferson City, MO. The Design Engineering Manager ensures that products are functional, manufacturable, and cost-effective while overseeing the full product design lifecycle from concept through prototyping and production support. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, leverages CAD tools such as Solid Works, and stays current with industry trends and technologies to drive innovation in plastic injection molded products.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional growth.
• Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products that meet project requirements for functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Use Solid Works to create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies, ensuring accuracy and adherence to engineering standards.
• Oversee the prototyping process by selecting appropriate materials, coordinating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.
• Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental conditions, and cost considerations.
• Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles to ensure efficient, high-quality production of plastic injection molded products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and other stakeholders, to align designs with production capabilities and business objectives.
• Support and guide hands‑on injection molding activities as needed, working closely with manufacturing teams to resolve design‑related production issues.
• Drive rapid iteration and improvement through the use of prototyping techniques, testing, and design validation activities.
• Ensure designs meet quality standards and customer expectations by incorporating feedback, performing reviews, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks, setting timelines, and ensuring timely completion of design deliverables.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal teams and leadership, including reporting progress and issues to the Vice President of Engineering.
• Stay current with industry trends, materials, and technologies related to plastic injection molding and product design, and incorporate relevant advancements into design practices.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or Plastics Engineering.
• At least 7 years of experience in product design of plastic injection molded products.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of design engineers.
• Strong proficiency with Solid Works for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.
• Hands‑on experience with injection molding processes (experience is a plus but strongly preferred).
• Strong problem‑solving skills and high attention to detail in design and documentation.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and cross‑functional interactions.

• Experience working in environments focused on plastic injection molded products for household, garage…