Senior Design Engineer

Company: Otter Tail
Location: Albertville
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Description
Company Overview:
Since 1948, T.O. Plastics has been manufacturing quality thermoformed products. Thermoforming is the process of heating up a sheet of plastic and forming it into shape using pressure or suction. Today, we offer a standard line of thermoformed products to the horticulture industry, plus we design and manufacture custom thermoformed parts and packaging to a wide variety of industries (medical, industrial, horticulture, electronic, agriculture, consumer packaging, and more). We are one of the top 100 thermoforming companies in North America, and we deliver value by focusing on customer needs and offering design-to-distribution services. Dedicated to excellence, we leverage our experience and core competency to develop customized, cost-effective solutions and provide exceptional service to customers around the world. T.O. Plastics has facilities in both Clearwater and Otsego, Minnesota.
Our vision is to be viewed as a best-in-class manufacturer and a great place to work. For these reasons, safety is the number one priority at T.O. Plastics. As a team we collectively keep one another safe by creating and following safety policies, correcting unsafe conditions, and seeking proper treatment if injury does occur. By valuing GRIT (Great People, Results, Integrity, & Tenacity) we believe we can do what we do at the highest level of quality and safety.
Essential Functions:
This position is responsible for the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

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  Lead development of products including part designs, mold & die designs, and prototyping efforts.
  
  
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  Communicate technical information regarding capabilities, timelines, and design details to customers on a regular basis.
  
  
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  Communicate with machining and tooling vendors regularly in a technical capacity.
  
  
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  Manage projects in an ISO environment to ensure project requirements, costs, and timelines are met.
  
  
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  Drive and analyze product risk and failure analysis (FMEA).
  
  
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  Recognize and act on opportunities for manufacturing improvements related to equipment, tooling, and process flow.
  
  
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  Utilize detailed prints and documentation to communicate the intent of the work, design, or assembly to other departments and vendors.
  
  
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  Actively support the implementation of advanced Lean processes and 6S as applicable to their own work, the department, and production areas.
  
  
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  Create and present management reports for new product schedules and feasibility analyses.
  
  
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  Work with other engineers in evaluating, improving, and maintaining standard products, including the writing of work instructions.
  
  
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  Provide design support to other departments as required (i.e., Production, Quality, Maintenance, etc.).
  
  
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  Team member for analysis and resolution on product returns, complaints, or other product investigations.
  
  
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  Drive efforts to build consistent and achievable quality into new product designs, specifications, and processes.
  
  
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  Identify and report any unsafe work conditions, behaviors, or incidents.
  
  
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  Follow and adhere to all safety procedures.
  
  
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  Other duties as assigned by the supervisor/manager.
  
  
  Education, Experience, & Skills:
  The qualifications listed here are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job.
  
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    S. in Engineering discipline (Mechanical or Plastics Engineering preferred).
    
    
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    0-3 years' experience in thermoforming industry and tool design.
    
    
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    High level of proficiency in SolidWorks 2015 (or newer version).
    
    
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    Experience with ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
    
    
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    Experience in an ISO (preferably 9001 and/or 13485) or FDA regulated environment.
    
    
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    Strong project management skills.
    
    
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    Good oral and written communication skills.
    
    
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    Ability to cross-functionally coordinate company initiatives and work as part of a team.
    
    
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    Formal training or exposure to Lean methodologies and Operational Excellence.
    
    
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    Evidence of ongoing training as required to keep skills current and relevant.
    
    
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    Knowledge of precision machining is helpful.
    
    
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    Knowledge of prototyping strategies such as 3D printing is helpful.
    
    
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    Basic computer knowledge of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
    
    
    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
    Working Environment and Physical Demands:
    The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    
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      The Senior Contract Design Engineer position requires work to be performed in both office and the manufacturing environments with a balance between hands-on work and office work.
      
      
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      Work performed in the well-lit manufacturing environment may include regular exposure to flying dust and debris; the smell of burnt plastic; high decibel equipment and loud noises; and extreme temperatures ranging from subzero up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
      
      
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      The manufacturing environment is fast-moving and may require the mobility to bend, stoop, lift, carry, lift above shoulders, push, pull, walk, and stand throughout the duration of the shift.
      
      
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      May be required to lift up to 50lbs occasionally.
      
      
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      Must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment consistently and correctly. This may include wearing safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, other safety equipment as designated, and adhering to the safety dress code.
      
      
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      Work performed in the controlled and well-lit office work environment has few physical hazards.
      
      
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      Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and hand function may be required to complete data entry, use technology, and complete other tasks as assigned.
      
      
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      Light travel between company facilities and some travel to customers, trade shows, suppliers, and external meetings, etc. is required.
      
      

Keywords: Otter Tail, Minneapolis , Senior Design Engineer, Engineering , Albertville, Minnesota