Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Injection Molding Technical AuthorityPlastic Molding Technology (PMT) manufactures high precision plastic parts for automotive, telecommunications, medical device, renewable energy, and industrial customers. The primary manufacturing processes are injection molding and thermoforming. PMT has ~100 injection molding presses at its two primary manufacturing locations in El Paso, TX and Centennial, CO (a suburb of Denver).Competitive salary and benefits packageOpportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative manufacturing environmentGrowth potential within the companyServe as the principal technical authority for injection molding across all company facilitiesDefine, maintain, and evolve enterprise-wide standards, best practices, and procedures for injection molding executionProvide expert technical guidance to the Director of Engineering, process engineers, manufacturing engineers, and leadership on complex, high-impact, or non-standard technical decisionsLead the technical evaluation, quoting, and kickoff of all new injection molding tools, ensuring alignment with performance, quality, and long-term manufacturability requirementsAct as the primary technical interface with mold builders during tool design, review, and launch phasesSupport new program launches by establishing robust process strategies and resolving tooling-related risksDefine technical specifications for injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and automation, including development of RFQs and evaluation of vendor proposalsCollaborate with leadership and finance on capital planning, including equipment selection, replacement strategy, and expansion planningSupport capital projects through technical justification, vendor engagement, and execution oversightDrive efforts to standardize molding systems and practices across sites to improve consistency, efficiency, scalability, and long-term maintainabilityIdentify opportunities to eliminate unnecessary engineering labor from quoting and execution workflows by implementing smarter systems, standards, and toolsSupport development of training frameworks and technical documentation to reinforce standardized executionSupport capacity analysis, equipment sizing, and right-sizing of molding operations to meet current and future business needsProvide technical input into plant layouts, equipment placement, and facility growth plansPartner with operations and leadership to ensure manufacturing strategy aligns with business growth objectivesServe as the corporate technical representative with equipment OEMs, tooling vendors, automation suppliers, and industry partnersSupport site teams as needed for complex process challenges, critical customer issues, or strategic initiatives. Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in injection moldingPerforms other duties as assignedBachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline with a strong emphasis in plastics manufacturing. Advanced degree (Master's) or equivalent combination of education and progressive industry experience demonstrating sustained technical leadership and authority15+ years of progressive experience in an injection molding manufacturing environment, with deep expertise in process engineering and/or tooling engineeringDemonstrated expertise in specifying injection molding equipment, auxiliary systems, and tooling, including development of technical requirements and evaluation of vendor proposalsAdvanced proficiency in scientific injection molding principles and their practical application in production and tooling developmentProven experience with capacity planning, equipment sizing, and right-sizing manufacturing operations to support growth and efficiencyExperience leading or significantly contributing to capital projects, including technical justification, capital request development, and execution supportStrong business acumen, with the ability to align technical decisions with broader business objectives, cost considerations, and long-term strategyFunctional working knowledge of AutoCAD and SolidWorks sufficient to review layouts, tooling concepts, and equipment integrationStrong background in data-driven decision making, including use of process data, metrics, and analysis to guide technical directionProficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for technical analysis, documentation, and executive-level communicationDemonstrated ability to learn and effectively utilize new software tools and systems used by the organizationExcellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage plant personnel, engineering teams, leadership, customers, and external vendorsStrong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, particularly for complex, cross-site technical challengesExceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities independentlyCommitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying current with industry best practices and emerging technologiesHigh level of attention to detail combined with systems-level perspectiveAbility to read, write, and speak English fluentlyThis position is on-site in Centennial, CO, with travel as needed to support strategic initiatives, major launches, and critical technical engagements.