Director of Design Engineering

American Plastics

. Lead end-to-end product development activities from concept through commercialization .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeMooresville • North Carolina • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in plastic injection molding and product development methodologies, with a strong focus on leading engineering teams and driving innovation. Proven ability to manage cross-functional collaboration and ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Plastic Injection MoldingProduct Development MethodologiesSolidWorks ProficiencyTeam LeadershipCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Part DesignMaterial SelectionMoldflow SimulationTooling ConsiderationsDFM/DFADFMEADVTDVP&RPPAPStage-Gate Processes

Soft Skills

CoachingMentoringCommunicationOrganizational EffectivenessPerformance Management

Tools & Technologies

PLM SystemsPDM SystemsEngineering Change ControlDrawing Standards

Industry Keywords

Consumer-Packaged GoodsR&DNew Product DevelopmentHigh-Volume ManufacturabilityDesign Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end product development activities from concept through commercialization
Ensure adherence to product development processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements
Oversee design reviews, risk management activities, verification and validation strategies, and product transfer to manufacturing
Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team of design engineers
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Provide coaching, mentoring, and talent development
Drive performance management, organizational effectiveness, and leadership capability across the function
Lead the development and continuous improvement of product development processes
Establish design standards
Establish governance frameworks that accelerate development cycles, ensure consistent execution, and ensure product quality
Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, within scope, and within budget
Establish priorities, remove barriers to execution, and escalate critical risks when necessary
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, PMO, and Sales teams to achieve business objectives
Report to the Vice President of Engineering

Requirements

What you’ll need

15+ years of progressive R&D and new product development experience in plastic injection molded solutions for consumer-packaged goods (CPG)
7+ years of experience leading and developing engineering teams across geographically dispersed and global organizations
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
Deep expertise in plastic injection molding, including part design, material selection, Moldflow simulation, tooling considerations, and high-volume manufacturability
Strong knowledge of product development methodologies, including DFM/DFA, DFMEA, DVT, DVP&R, PPAP, and stage-gate processes
Experience with PLM/PDM systems, engineering change control, and drawing standards
Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks
Proven ability to develop technical talent, mentor engineering teams, and build organizational capabilities
Strong business and project leadership skills, including portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, cross-functional collaboration, and alignment of R&D investments with business objectives
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to executive stakeholders and cross-functional teams
Experience partnering with industrial design teams to preserve product aesthetics, ergonomics, and consumer experience while optimizing manufacturability, quality, and cost
At least 18 years of age
Eligible to work in the United States of America
Pass a Pre-Employment Drug Screen & Authorize Background Check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Full benefit package including medical/dental
401k
Paid vacation
Remote work available for the right candidate