Senior Staff Engineer, R&D Tooling - Plastics - Nashua, NH

This is a senior technical engineering role focused on the design, development and continuous improvement of specialist R&D tooling used in advanced manufacturing processes. The position offers significant influence across tooling strategy, supplier engagement and problem‑solving within an innovative R&D environment.

Client Details

My client is a well‑established, global manufacturing organization with a strong reputation for engineering excellence and innovation. With a long‑term commitment to R&D investment, they provide a technically rich environment where experienced engineers can make a visible impact, influence tooling standards and support the development of next‑generation products.

The culture values collaboration, continuous improvement and practical problem‑solving, offering engineers the opportunity to work closely with manufacturing, suppliers and R&D teams in a hands‑on, technically challenging setting.

Description

Reporting directly into the Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for the following:

• Lead the technical development and ongoing improvement of R&D tooling across multiple manufacturing processes
• Act as the primary technical expert for tooling‑related investigations, fault‑finding and permanent corrective solutions
• Design, specify and qualify new tooling, dies and supporting equipment for R&D trials and pilot production
• Develop, maintain and improve tooling drawings, specifications and technical documentation
• Establish and refine inspection, release and qualification procedures for tooling used in development trials
• Identify, assess and onboard new tooling suppliers, managing quotations, procurement and technical approvals
• Work directly with external vendors to ensure tooling quality, performance and delivery expectations are met
• Monitor and improve tooling inventory control and lifecycle management processes
• Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to tooling design, manufacture and usage
• Support environmental, health and safety standards, ensuring safe working practices at all times
• Contribute technical input to cross‑functional R&D and engineering projects as required

Profile

• Degree‑qualified in an engineering discipline
• Extensive experience in tool and die design within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Strong technical background in precision machining, materials and manufacturing processes
• Experience designing tooling for complex, high‑precision applications
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and drafting software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• Working knowledge of FEA and analytical tools
• Background in polymer processing, extrusion, calendering or forming processes is highly desirable
• Demonstrated use of Lean manufacturing, 5S and structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Ability to lead investigations using root cause analysis, DOE and corrective action techniques
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented and comfortable working autonomously
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and with suppliers
• Proven capability to manage sensitive and confidential technical information

Job Offer

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• A senior‑level technical role with high visibility and influence within R&D
• Opportunity to lead and shape tooling strategy rather than purely execute designs
• Long‑term stability within an established manufacturing organization
• Exposure to complex, technically challenging engineering problems
• Collaborative working environment with experienced engineering professionals
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Standard working hours with a balanced office and plant‑based environment

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.