Project Engineer

VRC Engineered Solutions • Milwaukee, WI

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About The Position

VRC Engineered Solutions is seeking a Project Engineer to act as the liaison between customers, sales, manufacturing, and vendors. The role combines technical cost estimation and quoting with hands-on New Product Development (NPD) project management, guiding customer programs from concept through production launch. The position requires knowledge of injection molding, tooling design, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM), along with project management skills to keep programs on track and deliver successful outcomes.

The Project Engineer reviews customer designs and specifications for manufacturability, develops mold concepts and cost estimates, and supports technical quoting discussions. After project award, the role leads programs through launch by coordinating cross-functional teams, overseeing tooling and trial activities, managing timelines and risks, and supporting APQP and production validation.

VRC Engineered Solutions provides custom-engineered molded products and sealing solutions for industries including automotive, industrial, marine, and healthcare. The company has multiple facilities across Wisconsin and Illinois and focuses on engineering excellence, customer-focused service, quality, and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics/Polymer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical manufacturing experience.
• 3–5+ years of engineering experience within plastic or rubber injection molding, tooling, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing customer programs from concept through launch.
• Strong understanding of molding processes, tooling design, and materials.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with APQP, FMEA, PPAP, and product launch activities.
• Experience using SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Pro/Engineer, or similar 3D CAD software.
• Knowledge of injection mold construction, including hot and cold runner systems, slide mechanisms, and cooling design.
• Experience working directly with customers and suppliers in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Review customer CAD models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturability and project feasibility.
• Conduct DFM reviews and recommend design, tooling, and material improvements.
• Develop mold concepts, tooling quotations, and manufacturing cost estimates.
• Support customer discussions and quoting activities with technical expertise.
• Lead projects from award through production launch.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and customer expectations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Tooling, Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing.
• Oversee tooling fabrication, mold trials, sample submissions, and launch activities.
• Lead APQP requirements, including FMEA, PPAP, and process validation.
• Monitor project progress, mitigate risks, and ensure successful production implementation.

Benefits

• Opportunity for professional growth within a growing manufacturing organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level