**Job Description:** The Design Engineer I - Plastics supports the design, development, validation, and launch of injection molded plastic components and assemblies. This role is intended for an early-career engineer who can build foundational expertise across plastic part design, DFM/DFA, material selection, tooling considerations, molding processes, testing, and simulation-informed decision making. # INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES At Milwaukee Tool, our Engineering Teams develop innovative solutions that improve the productivity, safety, durability, and performance of products trusted by professional users every day. As a Design Engineer I - Plastics, you will work within cross-functional product development teams to design and improve plastic components from early concept through production launch. The role provides hands-on exposure to plastic part design, materials, tooling, processing, manufacturing, testing, and injection molding simulation workflows. This position is designed as a development role for an engineer interested in growing practical plastics expertise while contributing to high-impact product development work. # You'll Be DISRUPTIVE Through These Duties and Responsibilities ## Product Design & Development · Design and develop plastic components and subassemblies for new product development and continuous improvement projects. · Create, maintain, and release 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation. · Apply DFM and DFA principles to improve product performance, manufacturability, quality, assembly efficiency, and cost. · Support design reviews, tolerance reviews, prototype builds, engineering builds, and production launch activities. · Collaborate with industrial design, product engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, quality, suppliers, and test teams throughout the product development process. ## Plastics Engineering · Support material selection for thermoplastics, elastomers, and related polymer systems based on mechanical, cosmetic, environmental, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements. · Develop working knowledge of injection molding behavior, including gate location, flow length, shrinkage, warpage, weld lines, sink, knit lines, cooling, ejection, and parting line considerations. · Review and interpret injection molding simulation results, including Moldflow outputs, to support part design optimization, gating recommendations, filling performance, cooling strategy, and warpage reduction. · Partner with tooling engineers, molders, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to resolve molding-related design, tooling, and process concerns during prototype and production phases. · Assist with evaluation of new plastic materials, manufacturing methods, and design approaches for future product applications. ## Testing, Validation & Problem Solving · Support engineering validation and verification testing for plastic components and assemblies. · Analyze test results, identify design risks, and implement design improvements based on data and engineering judgment. · Assist in troubleshooting plastic component failures, quality issues, and manufacturing concerns using structured root cause analysis methods. · Work with materials, quality, tooling, manufacturing, and supplier teams to identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence. · Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product reliability, manufacturability, weight, cost, quality, and performance. ## Project Execution & Communication · Support multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced product development environment. · Document engineering assumptions, test results, design decisions, tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations clearly and accurately. · Communicate project status, technical risks, open issues, and design changes to project stakeholders in a timely and professional manner. · Participate in supplier discussions, design reviews, engineering builds, and cross-functional project meetings as required. · Build technical capability through mentorship, hands-on projects, training, supplier engagement, and collaboration with experienced plastics, tooling, materials, and simulation resources. # What TOOLS You'll Bring With You **Required Qualifications** · Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related technical discipline. · 0-3 years of engineering experience, including internships, co-ops, or relevant project experience. · Basic understanding of plastic materials and injection molding processes. · Experience using 3D CAD software such as NX, Creo, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar platforms. · Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. · Interest in hands-on product development, testing, manufacturing, and root cause analysis. · Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams. **Preferred Qualifications** · Coursework, internship, co-op, or project experience involving plastics, injection molding, tooling, or manufacturing processes. · Exposure to Moldflow, Moldex3D, Sigmasoft, SolidWorks Plastics, Autodesk Moldflow Adviser, or similar injection molding simulation tools. · Understanding of DFM principles for injection molded plastic components. · Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawing practices. · Exposure to FEA, mechanical testing, material testing, or data analysis. · Experience with rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing. · Knowledge of plastic material performance tradeoffs, including strength, impact, fatigue, creep, chemical resistance, cosmetics, cost, and manufacturability. *Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.*