Manufacturing Engineer CT

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: $85000-$125000 annually

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 were 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.

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 es tablish 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:

• Bachelors 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

ITAR Requirements: To conform to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) applicants for employment at PTA Plastics must be a U.S. citizen or national lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e. current green card holder) or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1157-1158.

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance Statement :

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of this position please contact . Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

IC