Production Engineer/Machine Builder

Plastic Ingenuity

Cross Plains, WI

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Automation, Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Capital Project, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Electrical Engineering, Hazard Analysis, Healthcare, Identify Issues, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Machine Tool, Maintenance Services, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Equipment, Manufacturing Methods, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Production Machining, Production Systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Execution, Project/Program Management, Reliability Engineering, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis, Safety/Work Safety, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Technical Training, Tool and Die Manufacturing
LOCATION
Cross Plains, WI
POSTED
1 day ago

Company Summary:

Plastic Ingenuity is committed to providing innovative, high-quality packaging for the food, healthcare, and consumer goods industries. At the company's heart are five core values that define who we are and why we have sustained success since 1972. We are friendly and genuine, fostering authentic connections with colleagues and clients alike. Resourcefulness defines our approach, allowing us to turn challenges into opportunities. Collaboration is ingrained in our process, uniting diverse perspectives to identify creative solutions. Total customer focus drives us; we listen intently, respond promptly, and consistently exceed expectations. Lastly, we are dependable doers, letting our actions speak louder than words. These values are the cornerstone of Plastic Ingenuity.

Role Summary:

Plastic Ingenuity is seeking a hands-on Production Engineer with strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated manufacturing problem-solving experience. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being on the production floor, diagnosing equipment and process issues, leading improvement projects, and working directly with operators, maintenance, tooling, and leadership teams.

This is not a purely desk-based engineering role. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of equipment improvements, root cause investigations, machine modifications, process optimization, and cross-functional project execution.

Candidates should have practical experience working with manufacturing equipment, machine design concepts, mechanical systems, and process troubleshooting in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for recurring production, safety, quality, and equipment issues
  • Drive process improvements focused on safety, reliability, productivity, scrap reduction, and uptime
  • Design, evaluate, and implement machine modifications and equipment improvements
  • Work directly with production and maintenance teams to optimize operating conditions and eliminate chronic issues
  • Manage capital and improvement projects from concept through implementation
  • Coordinate with equipment vendors, integrators, and suppliers on technical solutions
  • Develop and improve manufacturing methods, tooling concepts, and standard operating procedures
  • Support structured safety initiatives including Job Hazard Analyses and risk reduction efforts
  • Deliver technical training and mentor less experienced team members or interns
  • Maintain a strong floor presence and build positive working relationships across departments

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on manufacturing or equipment experience
  • Experience troubleshooting mechanical and/or electrical systems in a production environment
  • Experience leading projects involving equipment improvements, automation, machine modifications, or process optimization
  • Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving capability
  • Ability to communicate effectively with operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, and leadership teams
  • Comfortable working independently and driving projects to completion

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas are strongly preferred:

  • Machine design or equipment integration
  • Manufacturing process engineering
  • Thermoforming, plastics, packaging, converting, or high-speed manufacturing
  • PLC troubleshooting or controls exposure
  • Lean manufacturing / continuous improvement
  • CAPEX project management
  • Preventive reliability improvements
  • Fabrication, tooling, pneumatics, hydraulics, servos, or automation systems

 

Plastic Ingenuity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, as we know that each of our employees helps to make us better. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. Come join us.



About the Company

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Plastic Ingenuity