Manufacturing Engineer (Injection Molding)

SCHAEFER PLASTICS NA LLC•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

At Schaefer Plastics, we are manufacturing industry-leading solutions and driving responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We excel in injection molding, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement. This position is not open to sponsorship. Position Overview Schaefer Plastics is seeking a hands-on, driven Manufacturing Engineer to support and optimize our injection molding operations. This is a highly visible, floor-focused role for an engineer who enjoys being in the operation, solving real-time production challenges, and leading improvements that deliver measurable results. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to improve throughput, reduce downtime, optimize processes, and support a safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for someone who brings both technical expertise and a practical, action-oriented approach to continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field
5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
Injection molding experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated hands-on troubleshooting ability in a production setting
Experience leading continuous improvement or process optimization initiatives
Strong documentation, organizational, and project management skills
Proficiency in Excel; SolidWorks experience preferred
Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must be willing and able to work extended hours and/or weekends with minimal notice, as needed
Ability to travel up to 10% for business purposes

Nice To Haves

A floor-focused engineer who enjoys being in the operation, not behind a desk all day
A proactive problem solver who can move ideas into action
Someone who can bring structure, accountability, and follow-through to improvement efforts
A collaborative partner who works well with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and leadership
An engineer who understands how operational performance drives business results

Responsibilities

Monitor production performance on the floor and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, and operator flow
Evaluate manufacturing constraints and implement practical solutions to improve line performance
Partner with Production to address bottlenecks and support day-to-day operational needs
Recommend and improve plant layouts, workstation design, and material flow
Optimize injection molding processes to improve quality, cycle times, and machine performance
Lead process development activities, parameter optimization, DOE trials, and validation efforts
Develop and standardize robust, repeatable molding processes across similar equipment
Support and train Process Technicians on optimized settings and best practices
Lead troubleshooting efforts related to downtime, process instability, and recurring manufacturing issues
Work closely with Maintenance and Production to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
Provide hands-on technical support during equipment and process-related issues
Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the operation
Drive projects from concept through implementation, follow-up, and documentation
Ensuring process improvements result in measurable gains in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency
Maintain clear and organized documentation for trials, process changes, and project activity
Lead raw material and recycled material trials, ensuring effective coordination and documentation
Improve consistency of records related to trial results, approvals, and SDS documentation
Support process and equipment improvements that maximize the use of recycled materials
Assist with equipment evaluation, replacement planning, and capital project justification
Develop equipment specifications and ROI-based recommendations
Support approved projects through installation, commissioning, and start-up
Gather and present data to support capital investment decisions