Nolato is a global leader in precision injection molding and contract manufacturing for the world's most successful healthcare, automotive, and industrial OEMs.
Join an organization that is respected throughout the industry for our advanced technology, quality, and innovation - all while enjoying the benefits of stable ownership, a collaborative culture, professional development, continuing education, global opportunities, and an exceptional benefits package.
Job title:
Project Engineer
Department:
San Antonio
Reports to:
Engineering Manager
Description:
The Project Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting engineering projects related to plastic injection molding manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, automation, and new product launches. This role works cross-functionally with customers, quality, production, tooling, maintenance, supply chain, and program management to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in injection molding operations and a strong understanding of process development, tooling, validation, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
- Lead engineering projects from concept through production launch, including scope, timing, budget, and deliverables.
- Manage new product introductions, transfers, and engineering changes within an injection molding environment.
- A strong understanding of CAD 3D modeling and the ability to review and critique mold designs and concepts.
- Coordinate mold trials, process development, sampling activities, and production readiness.
- Work with tooling suppliers, automation vendors, and internal teams to support mold design, modifications, and equipment implementation.
- Support validation activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ, process qualifications, and documentation as required by customer or industry standards.
- Support troubleshooting molding, tooling, and secondary operation issues to improve process stability and product quality.
- A strong understanding of mold repair process and the ability to quote mold repairs and engineering changes.
- Prepare and maintain project timelines, capital requests, engineering documentation, process instructions, and status reports.
- Collaborate with Quality and Production to ensure compliance with specifications, control plans, and corrective actions.
- Participate in cost-reduction initiatives, lean manufacturing projects, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans clearly to internal stakeholders and customers when needed.
- Ensure all projects and process changes are implemented in accordance with safety, environmental, and company standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field. Preferred
- 3-7 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in plastic injection molding.
- Experience with mold qualification, process development, tooling, automation, and production launch activities.
- Knowledge of plastic resins, molding parameters, part design considerations, and common molding defects.
- Familiarity with validation protocols, capability studies, and root cause/problem-solving methods.
- Experience working with customers, tool shops, equipment vendors, and cross-functional plant teams.
- Proficiency in CAD systems, ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and project tracking tools preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Experience in medical, automotive, consumer, or industrial molding environments.
- Familiarity with scientific molding principles.
- Experience with automation, robotics, vision systems, and secondary assembly processes.
- Lean/Six Sigma training or certification.