Responsibilities:
- Product Design & Development:
- Collaborate with product development teams to design and optimize plastic components for manufacturability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
- Apply principles of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) to ensure robust and efficient production.
- Understand CAD software to review 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.
- Tooling Design & Optimization:
- Work closely with toolmakers and suppliers to define, design, and procure injection molds.
- Review and approve mold designs, ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.
- Lead the development and procurement of prototype tooling, evaluating different tooling approaches for early-stage product validation.
- Identify and implement improvements to existing tooling for enhanced performance, longevity, and reduced cycle times.
- Injection Molding Process Development & Optimization:
- Oversee set up, operation, and troubleshooting of injection molding presses to achieve optimal part quality and production efficiency.
- Develop and refine molding parameters (temperatures, pressures, cycle times, etc.) for various plastic resins.
- Conduct root cause analysis for molding defects and implement corrective actions.
- Perform process validation and qualification activities.
- Mold Flow Analysis:
- Utilize mold flow simulation software (e.g., Moldflow, SolidWorks Plastics) to predict and optimize material flow, cooling, warpage, and other molding phenomena.
- Interpret simulation results to guide part and tool design decisions, minimizing potential molding issues.
- Supplier Management & Performance:
- Oversee and manage external injection molding suppliers to ensure consistent quality, on-time delivery, and adherence to specifications.
- Conduct supplier audits, assess capabilities, and drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
- Act as the primary technical liaison with molding suppliers, resolving technical issues and ensuring optimal performance.
- Evaluate supplier performance metrics and implement strategies to enhance overall supplier relationships and output.
- Plastics Material Selection & Characterization:
- Research, evaluate, and recommend appropriate plastic resins and compounds based on product requirements, performance specifications, environmental considerations, and cost constraints.
- Possess a deep understanding of the properties, processing characteristics, and applications of various thermoplastic and thermoset materials.
- Conduct material testing and characterization to validate performance and ensure suitability for specific applications.
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement:
- Develop and implement quality control plans for plastic components.
- Participate in FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and other quality improvement initiatives.
- Identify and implement opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and cost savings.
- Technical Support & Collaboration:
- Provide technical expertise and support to manufacturing, quality, and sales teams.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
Mentor junior engineers and technicians on plastics engineering principles
Qualifications:
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- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) required.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in the plastics industry, specifically with injection molding processes.
- Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting injection molding presses.
- Strong understanding of injection mold tooling design principles and construction, including prototype tooling methodologies.
- Proven experience with mold flow simulation software (e.g., Moldflow, SolidWorks Plastics) and the ability to interpret results.
- Familiar with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD) for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
- Solid understanding of plastic material properties, processing characteristics, and selection criteria.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications (GD&T knowledge preferred).
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with other plastic manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, blow molding).
- Knowledge of automation and robotics in plastics manufacturing.
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and lean manufacturing principles.
Work Environment & Travel:
- This position is based in Singapore and reports directly to our team in the USA. The ability to communicate fluently in English is essential.
- Requires flexibility in working hours to accommodate evening calls and collaboration with US-based colleagues.
- Ability to work effectively from the office, supplier locations, and remotely from home as needed.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 30% of the time.
- Travel will primarily be to China to supplier sites, and the ability to communicate in Mandarin is required.