Manufacturing Engineer

Company Overview:

PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract manufacturing and tool-building industry, is looking for an Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team.

At PTA Plastics, we're more than just a manufacturer; we partner with Fortune 500 OEMs in the medical device, defense, homeland security, and technology sectors, constantly pushing the boundaries of product development and manufacturing excellence. As an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in our success, creating a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation thrives.

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement, and supporting new product introduction across molding and secondary operations. This role partners cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost through data-driven decision-making, automation, and standardized processes.

Pay: $85,000-$125,000

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing and assembly processes for injection molding and secondary operations.
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies, reduce scrap, and improve cycle times and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Work with Work Instructions Specialist to establish and maintain standardized work instructions, process documentation, and visual controls.
• Evaluate, design, and implement fixtures, hand tools, and other aids to improve productivity, consistency, and operator ergonomics.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead manufacturing readiness for new product launches, including process development, new fixture design, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Tooling, and Quality to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet customer requirements.
• Support mold sampling activities and define production standards (work instructions, layouts, packaging, etc.).
• Lead BOM reviews.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Quality on root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and MRB activities.
• Work with Tooling and Maintenance to support mold performance, repairs, and improvements.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and external vendors to improve delivery, quality, and cost performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and participate in Lean/CI initiatives to drive waste reduction and process stability.
• Support KPI tracking and reporting (scrap, efficiency, downtime, throughput).
• Identify and execute cost-saving and process improvement projects.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support daily production troubleshooting and escalation as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation within ERP/MES systems.
• Participate in design reviews, and product introduction meetings.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial) or equivalent experience.
• 3 - 7+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing (injection molding preferred).
• Experience with process development, tooling, and troubleshooting in a production environment.
• Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, or cobots is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the production floor for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools, machine components, and molds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
• Good vision and color perception for inspecting parts and identifying any defects or abnormalities.
• Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and withstand exposure to noise levels associated with manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to receive, comprehend and utilize required training from OSHA and Company including but not limited to the following:
• Hazard Communication
• Lock Out/Tag Out

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance Statement:

PTA Plastics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities. As part of this commitment, PTA Plastics complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)andConnecticut's Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA), which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in hiring, job assignments, promotions, compensation, benefits, training, and other aspects of…