COMPANY OVERVIEW

Plastic Designs, Inc. (PDI) is a family-owned custom plastics manufacturer in Paxton, IL, just a short drive north from Champaign-Urbana. Since opening in 1989, PDI has been a supplier to a wide variety of customers in various industries, including agriculture, automotive, medical, sporting goods, building and construction, and many more. PDI produces hundreds of different products each year, for a total of over 60 million pieces per year (and growing!).

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Manufacturing Engineer plays an important role in designing products, developing automation and production processes, and contributing to the efficient operation of the plant. As a small company, everyone wears multiple hats, meaning each day will be different with new challenges to tackle. Other responsibilities include developing quality control programs for new projects, robotic cell design and programming, PLC programming, and documentation. A self-driven, detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset is essential for success in this role.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or Associate degree with significant hands-on experience in manufacturing/automation).
• Proficiency with 3D design in SolidWorks, CREO, Pro-E, or Inventor (SolidWorks preferred).
• Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic controls (e.g. relays, cylinders, valves, switches, etc.)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and methodical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work on a team, or independently with little supervision.
• Familiarity with computer applications, including web applications and Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Willingness to be hands-on throughout plant and in tooling shop.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and documentation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with plastics manufacturing is preferred but not required.
• Experience with automation equipment, including Epson and Universal Robotics robots and Automation Direct PLCs preferred.
• SolidWorks certification (CSWA, CSWP, CSWP-MM)
• Familiarity with molding machines and mold construction.
• Experience with CNC programming, especially CNC routers.
• Experience with low-voltage DC electronics (e.g. 24V controls).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25lbs.
  Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
  Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• SolidWorks: 5 years (Preferred)
• Manufacturing: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Paxton, IL 60957 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Paxton, IL 60957: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In perso

• Design parts to be injection molded or thermoformed, either for customers or internal products, applying design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Lead new mold projects with tooling suppliers, including quoting, DFM review, mold design review, pre-production trial quality assurance, and start of production.
• Communicate with vendors and customers about technical matter, including engineering changes and repairs.
• Continually improve existing automation equipment to make high-volume lines more reliable and efficient.
• Develop new automation processes using robotics, PLCs, pneumatics, etc.
• Design end-of-arm-tools (EOATs) for robotic parts handling.
• Create and maintain CNC routing programs for thermoforming and injection molding projects.
• Clearly document new processes for use by technicians and operators.
• Provide engineering support on the plant floor.
• Other tasks as assigned.