Product Development Engineer/ Design Engineer

Overview

Develop and lead new PVC pipe product designs, testing, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

• test planning
• cad modeling
• dfmea
• vendor management
• project management
• prototype development

Tasks

-Create test plans in cooperation with our lab and/or outside labs that confirm the design goals. Collaborate with operations to establish qualification and QC manufacturing criteria. -Employ design for molding knowledge to design injection molded system components -Apply design for safety, manufacturability and other best practices. -Create 3d CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks. Create detail drawings, part and product specifications for tooling and manufacturing control. -Develop detailed CAD drawings with appropriate control dimensions and parameters. -Oversee/generate comprehensive DFMEA documents, Engineering Product Specifications, Quality and Audit Plans and Engineering drawings. -Work directly with outside vendors for part sourcing, engineering support, material development, etc. -Manage multiple product development projects using a Stage/Gate process with a focus on defining the timeline and key milestones. Ensure deliverables are executed on time, to cost and to quality specification. -Manage and coordinate benchmarking test activities vs. competitive products. -Monitor and benchmark competitive products and identify design alternatives. -Gather pertinent data and coordinate response (product testing, etc.) – recommend design improvements, as required, to prevent reoccurrence of problems. -Draft, review and approve ECN spec changes. -Employ knowledge of elastomeric sealing technologies to innovate and optimize hydraulic seals incorporated in core products. -Develop innovative products that meet customer expectations, quality and financial requirements, and industry and government compliance standards. -Assess and optimize existing products for application, field performance, or manufacturing improvements, and develop line extensions. -Work closely with material technology and process engineering groups to ensure new designs utilize materials optimized cost and performance and can transition effectively into our production environment. -Develop product prototypes and looks/works models for design validation, aesthetics, performance and usability reviews. Comfortable with machining tools, rapid prototype assembly and hands on field testing. -Support field investigations, failure recreation studies and field trials. -Lead brainstorm and ideation sessions to create innovations that solve market needs.

Requirements

• 3d modeling
• plastic extrusion
• injection molding
• pe certificate
• project management
• mechanical engineering

What You Bring

-Good communication skills with a focus on clear, concise and accurate written and oral presentation. -Experience designing thermoplastics and thermoset material products is preferred. -Understanding of plastic extrusion and molding manufacturing process, capabilities and design requirements. -Ability to work in both a lab-based setting completing physical testing, and an office setting completing extensive design work. -A demonstrated record of success delivering innovative products is required. -Familiarity with general building techniques, materials, plastic extrusion, and polymer compounding/processing. -Demonstrated ability to create innovation in products and apply critical thinking skills to develop multiple solutions and determine the best path. -Project management skills and experience working in a cross functional stage/gate product development process. -Knowledge of government/agency code compliance and industry testing. -Strong 3d modeling skills and experience with machining, rapid prototyping and hands on product testing are required. -“Hands-on” abilities needed – should be capable of preparing mock-ups and test samples using machining and rapid prototyping tools. -Professional Engineering certificate preferred. -Knowledge of rubber sealing system (gasket/O-ring) design is important. -Become familiar with and able to apply appropriate governing agency requirements, such as ASTM, to designs. Develop test plans that prove product compliance. -B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. -Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) -Knowledge of extrusion and injection molding processes is important. -Ability to work independently and in a team atmosphere. -5+ years of product design/analysis experience preferred.

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About Westlake

-Began from a single polyethylene plant in Louisiana and has expanded through strategic acquisitions. -Operates two main segments: Performance & Essential Materials and Housing & Infrastructure Products. -Produces significant quantities of low-density polyethylene and PVC, ranging from raw materials to finished goods. -Productions include PVC siding, pipes, epoxy resins, and polyethylene products for construction, automotive, packaging, and healthcare sectors. -Achieved record EBITDA in the HIP segment in Q4 2024, largely due to increased demand for PVC pipe and fittings. -Family-led ownership maintained by the founding Chao family, operating under a unified global brand.

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