Project Engineer

vrc-es • Milwaukee, WI

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About The Position

VRC Engineered Solutions is seeking a Project Engineer to serve as the key 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 successful production launch. The Project Engineer reviews designs for manufacturability and feasibility, supports tooling and cost quotations, and leads cross-functional project activities through production implementation. The ideal candidate understands injection molding, tooling design, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and has the project management skills to keep customer programs on track.

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, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role offers ownership of projects from quotation through launch, direct customer collaboration, exposure to engineering and manufacturing functions, diverse custom-engineered molding applications, and opportunities for professional growth.

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