Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

Summary

Connect Search is hiring a Project Engineer in Milwaukee.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects from the quoting and development stages through successful production launch.
• Review customer part designs and provide input regarding manufacturability, including draft, side actions, shutoffs, parting lines, and other fundamental design considerations.
• Evaluate tooling requirements based on part geometry and manufacturing needs; review mold designs and provide recommendations related to mold construction and functionality.
• Apply strong knowledge of medical molding and medical device component manufacturing requirements.
• Utilize experience with high-consistency rubber (HCR), gum silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), and related molding processes to support product and process development.
• Apply knowledge of thermoplastic and thermoset injection molding processes; experience with these materials and processes is highly desirable.
• Develop and implement robust manufacturing processes utilizing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and related quality methodologies.
• Support and participate in Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability studies, process development, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Apply knowledge of steel-safe/tolerance-safe tooling concepts to support design optimization and process development.
• Evaluate automation opportunities, including press robots, automated assembly systems, inspection systems, and other production automation.
• Evaluate secondary operations such as deflashing, assembly, testing, decorating, inspection, and other value-added processes.
• Assess process alternatives and their associated costs to identify practical, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, milestones, and deliverables using project management tools such as MS Project and Gantt charts.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining priorities, timelines, budgets, and customer commitments.
• Coordinate activities with internal teams and external suppliers, including mold, tooling, automation, and equipment suppliers.
• Serve as a technical resource and professional representative of the company with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively communicate project status, issues, and changes.
• Support successful transition of new products and processes into production while ensuring quality, cost, timing, and customer requirements are met.
• Maintain appropriate project documentation and ensure compliance with company procedures and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in plastics, rubber, silicone, or molded component manufacturing, preferably within a medical device or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with medical molding, rubber/silicone molding, and/or injection molding processes.
• Strong understanding of part design for manufacturability, tooling, mold design, and molding processes.
• Working knowledge of APQP, DOE, capability studies, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.