Head of Design, Product & Brand

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets.

We are seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Jefferson City, MO. This position will lead a team of design engineers and will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.

· Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.

· CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.

· Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.

· Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.

· Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.

· Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.

· Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

· Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.

· Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.

· Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering

• Excellent at leading and developing a team

• Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.

• 7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products

• SolidWorks knowledge.

• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills.

If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.