Manufacturing Engineer - Polyurethane Molding

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer-Polyurethane Molding

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Engineering Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Alisa Capretta

Prepared Date: May 21, 2026

Pay Range: $85,000-$100,000 per year

SUMMARYBIRNS—an AS9100 certified company and the performance and quality leader in its field—develops, manufactures and markets high-performance underwater lighting and connector systems which improve the safety and efficiency of the Marine, Military, and Nuclear Power Generation industries. An ISO 9001:2015-certified company, BIRNS focuses on total customer satisfaction and is seeking an energetic and experienced “hands-on” Manufacturing Engineer-Polyurethane Molding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is a framework of the essential duties and responsibilities for this role. Basic duties are outlined here and are not limited to this outline. Duties and responsibilities may change according to business need and other duties may be assigned.

The Manufacturing Engineer (ME) plans, develops, implements, and optimizes Polyurethane Molding manufacturing processes to ensure products are produced in a controlled, efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner while achieving zero-defect quality standards and on-time delivery for total customer satisfaction. The ME is responsible for integrating process efficiency, quality assurance, environmental compliance, and workplace safety into all molding operations.

The Manufacturing Engineer (ME) designs, develops, tests, evaluates, and continuously improves integrated manufacturing systems involving polyurethane molding, elastomer processing, potting, encapsulation, tooling, material flow, production coordination, inventory control, cost analysis, and quality control. This position supports the development and maintenance of robust, repeatable, and process-controlled manufacturing methods within a highly regulated production environment.

The position includes responsibility for developing, documenting, and maintaining detailed Work Instructions, Operational Procedures, process documentation, and manufacturing standards for all BIRNS polyurethane molding operations. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the ME works closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives in BIRNS’ ISO 9001-certified and SUBMEPP-qualified manufacturing facility.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE :

Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university, and a minimum of ten (10) years of related manufacturing engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and applicable experience.

Direct experience with polyurethane molding processes is strongly preferred. Experience working with two-part polyurethane or elastomeric molding systems is highly desirable. Experience with temperature-controlled molding and curing processes, particularly involving elastomeric materials such as PUR, CR, and/or TPR, is required.

Experience with potting, encapsulation, and bonding processes utilizing MIL-M-24041 compounds is highly beneficial. Experience bonding to PE, TFE, and/or PTFE materials is desirable. Familiarity with PRO-020 MLDG processes is considered a significant advantage.

Demonstrated proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Statistical Process Control (SPC), root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies is strongly desired. Experience developing manufacturing documentation, process validation protocols, tooling specifications, and operator training materials is preferred.

Additional certifications or training in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, process engineering, or related disciplines are strongly preferred but not required. Mold and tooling design experience, including fixture development and process automation support, is a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS : Ability to read and interpret documents such as work instructions, computer data, and procedure manuals. Good written language skills are required, including the ability to write routine reports, procedures, and effective correspondence. The ability to speak effectively, and clearly so others can understand you, before individuals or groups.

SOCIAL SKILLS : Ability to continually interact with others as a contributing member of a close-knit team. Ability to work closely together with others, possibly of different backgrounds and interests, without friction. Works well with people. Able to maintain strict confidentiality.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS : Aptitude to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s, performing these operations using units of time, pressure, temperature, weigh measurement, volume and distance. Ability to calculate figures and amounts.

REASONING ABILITY : Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

COMPUTER SKILLS : Ability to comfortably use computer software in Windows environment. Intermediate to advanced understanding of manufacturing/MRB software, word-processing, spreadsheet, and related office applications.

GENERAL : Self-starter, able to work independently, able to work under pressure, comfortable with interacting with multiple levels of organization, able to work cross-functionally within organization to accomplish objectives, results oriented. Must be able to work a consistent schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, for tooling and small electrical contacts, reach with hands and arms to place/replace products. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear the "open" timers and other equipment. The employee must regularly lift and/or move tooling and components weighing up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision for assembly, color vision for quality checks, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this this job the employee is regularly exposed to slow-moving mechanical parts. Employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.

The employee may be exposed to an environment typical of a small-to-medium sized office. The noise level is usually quiet to moderate; noise producers include standard office equipment (including, but not limited to, ringing telephones and computer printers).

The employee is occasionally exposed to other hazards, when the employee needs to go onto our factory floor. There, hazards are typical of a light manufacturing environment. The noise level is usually moderate.

TRAVEL

Estimated 0% travel required. This is to serve as an estimate and may change according to business need.

**NO RECRUITERS, PLEASE

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