Job Description

Our client is a global automotive part manufacturer.  

Responsibilities

The Purchasing Engineer will be responsible for estimating the cost of plastic injection tooling and leading the approval process for mould designs. The role requires in-depth knowledge of plastic injection moulding processes, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), mould flow analysis, and mould instruments like hot runner systems and cooling systems. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure all components meet cost, quality, and performance standards.

• Tooling Estimation
  • Analyzing and estimating costs related to plastic injection moulding tools, including material selection, machining, and assembly processes.
  • Collaborating with suppliers to gather quotations, evaluate pricing, and negotiate cost-effective solutions for tooling projects.
  • Providing detailed cost breakdowns and assisting the sourcing team in selecting suppliers based on both cost and technical capability.
• Mold Design Approval
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Evaluating mold designs to ensure they adhere to DFM principles, identifying potential manufacturing issues and proposing improvements to enhance manufacturability and reduce costs.
  • Mould Flow Analysis: Reviewing and interpreting mould flow analysis results to assess the quality and efficiency of mould designs. Ensuring that flow patterns, cooling systems, and other parameters are optimized for part quality and cycle time.
  • Mould Instruments Knowledge: Assessing and approving mold designs that incorporate advanced mold instruments, such as hot runner systems and cooling systems, ensuring they are properly integrated and functioning to enhance product quality and efficiency.
  • Technical Evaluation: Collaborating with the design and production teams to verify that moulds are designed for optimal performance, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
  • Design Improvements: Facilitating and approving design changes and improvements in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams, ensuring alignment with product requirements and manufacturability.
  • Design Validation: Participating in mould trials and sample evaluations to ensure the final designs meet performance and quality specifications.
• Supplier Management
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring clear communication of project requirements, timelines, and technical specifications.
  • Monitoring supplier performance and providing constructive feedback to ensure that tooling and mould designs meet expectations.
  • Collaborating with suppliers to resolve technical issues related to tooling and mould designs.
• Project Management
  • Managing multiple tooling and mould design projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and within budget.
  • Tracking project milestones and reporting progress to relevant stakeholders, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Quality Assurance
  • Ensuring that all tooling and moulds comply with company quality standards and industry regulations.
  • Participating in mould trials and first-article inspections to verify the quality and performance of the tooling.
  • Addressing non-conformance issues and working with suppliers to implement corrective actions.
• Technical Expertise
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in plastic injection moulding technology, materials, tooling processes, and mold instruments.
  • Providing technical support and guidance to cross-functional teams, including design, production, and quality assurance. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience as a Technical buyer or Purchasing Engineer for plastic injection tooling & mould, or a similar role.
• Experience in tooling estimation, and mold design.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection moulding processes, including DFM, mold flow analysis, and tooling materials.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and mould design evaluation tools.
• Hands-on experience with mold instruments such as hot runner systems and cooling systems.
• Experience in supplier management and negotiations.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.

REF: PE123872