Machine Design Engineer

Preformed Line Products•Rogers, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Supports the Plant Engineering Manager with design, quality, and technical support for new machinery and equipment design concepts and analysis. Serves as the Plant Machine Design Engineer, responsible for the design of new manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and retrofits for existing equipment. Proposes plant machine improvement projects and coordinates the development of the machine capital plan and cost projections for the plant’s annual capital budget. Designs prototype equipment for testing and oversees the building of machine components and assembly operations, providing technical support to the PLP Machining team. Supports plant manufacturing teams through process improvement initiatives, machine problem-solving, Lean initiatives, and day-to-day production support with machine redesign, retrofit design, and other improvements to enhance manufacturing capabilities, efficiencies, and product quality. Acts as a key liaison between operations, maintenance, safety, and management for successful start-ups and transitions of large-scale new machine installations, testing, and implementation. Attends key plant meetings to ensure machine support and resources are available and to stay informed about production cycles, problems, and needs. Demonstrates strong machine design capabilities, project management skills, problem-solving skills, cost and budget management skills, communication skills, and machine fabrication skills. Takes a proactive position in communicating on key projects with plant leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s level Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of prior work experience in an engineering machine design support role in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated strong project management leadership and creative design skills.
Hands-on experience with machining and machine fabrication.
Solid background in using CAD systems in designing manufacturing equipment.
Strong understanding of machine design techniques, PLC controls, electronics, robotics, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
Well versed in machining operations and machine fabrication processes including molds, jigs, and fixtures.
Good working knowledge of project management systems and strong general project management skills.
Prior experience working in an engineering team environment with experience collaborating on joint projects.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Good general financial understanding and good analytical skills relating to costs and general plant metrics.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Preference for a Creo software background.
Prior experience in a Machine Design Team Leader role.

Responsibilities

Design of new manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and retrofits for existing equipment.
Proposing plant machine improvement projects.
Coordinating the development of the machine capital plan and cost projections.
Designing prototype equipment for testing.
Coordinating and overseeing the building of machine components and assembly operations.
Providing technical support, assistance, and direction for the PLP Machining team.
Supporting plant manufacturing teams in process improvement initiatives, machine problem-solving, and Lean initiatives.
Providing day-to-day support for production with machine redesign, retrofit design, and other improvements.
Acting as a key liaison between operations, maintenance, safety, and management for new machine installations and engineering initiatives.
Ensuring machine support and resources are available by attending key plant meetings.
Communicating proactively on key projects with plant leadership.