Project Engineer

Hoffer Plastics • South Elgin, IL

14d • Onsite

About The Position

Hoffer Plastics is seeking a Project Engineer to join their team. This role is crucial for managing customer and supplier relationships, overseeing tooling procurement and design, and ensuring the successful manufacturing of new products. The Project Engineer will be the main engineering contact, responsible for analyzing customer prints, preparing tool quotations, and ensuring new tools meet design and manufacturing requirements. They will also conduct design reviews, manage tool purchase orders, and follow up on tooling progress. Additionally, the role involves assisting Sales with design-related projects, including prototyping, metal-to-plastic conversions, and identifying new opportunities. Mold simulation analysis using Moldex 3D is also a key responsibility. The company emphasizes a positive work atmosphere, continuous learning, and adherence to safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Plastics Technology, or completion of a related apprenticeship or a 2-year technical degree plus 5 years of related working experience.
• 3-5 years of plastic mold injection experience.
• Strong computer skills in CAD (preferably SolidWorks), Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Overall understanding of numerous raw materials (PP, ABS, Acetel, Nylon).
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor with customers, suppliers, and co-workers.
• Highly energetic with a positive attitude.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main engineering contact for customers and tooling suppliers.
• Analyze customer prints and tool quotation requests.
• Prepare tool quotations and procure tooling.
• Ensure new tools are designed and built to meet company requirements for a robust manufacturing process.
• Conduct design and preliminary tool reviews with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Place tool purchase orders, expedite, and follow up on tooling progress through visits.
• Conduct pre-sampling and post-sampling meetings with project team members.
• Advise the Project Manager on customer approval status and necessary deviations.
• Minimize delays to ensure compliance with quoted tool delivery times.
• Assist Sales in design-related projects such as prototyping new parts and providing design recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for metal to plastic conversion and develop piece part designs.
• Identify sources for design, build, and prototyping activities.
• Perform mold simulation analysis utilizing Moldex 3D.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
• Continuously grow job-specific knowledge and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean work areas.

Benefits

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical, Dental and VSP Vision Insurance
• 401k matching .50 per $1.00 dollar contributed each payroll period up to 6% plus a Safe Harbor contribution of an amount equal to 3% of employee's annual eligible earnings
• Paid Life Insurance in the amount of 1.5 times basic annual salary
• Short term and Long-term Disability
• 2 Weeks Paid Vacation
• Up to 5 Days of Illinois Paid Leave
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Reimbursements (Tuition, Prescription Safety Glasses, Steel Toe Shoe, and Fitness)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree