Job Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Injection Molding to lead our manufacturing operations with energy and precision. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all aspects of injection molding processes, ensuring high-quality production, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the plant. Your leadership will drive innovation in process management, foster cross-functional collaboration, and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive leader passionate about manufacturing excellence and team development to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.
Job Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Develop and implement department vision and goals. Establish short‑ and long‑term strategic plans to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) for the molding room. Provide input on capital investment budgets for molding equipment and software and prepare requests for new tooling or machinery
- Lead continuous improvement programs. Use lean/TPS/TPM methodologies and a “Kaizen” mindset to drive process improvements, reduce cycle time and optimize utilization of CNC and injection‑molding equipment.
Production Management and Scheduling
- Oversee daily molding operations and production scheduling. Monitor department operations, including workflow scheduling, production processes, inventory control, and quality to ensure on‑time delivery. Optimize production schedules to meet demand and minimize downtime
Tooling Design, Construction and Maintenance
- Direct tool design and construction. Collaborate with 3rd party toolmakers to review and improve mold tooling designs, ensuring design‑for‑manufacturability and proper specification of materials, cavitation and hot runner systems. Manage tool quoting, vendor selection, purchase orders and coordinate tool construction.
- Manage tool maintenance and lifecycle. Implement preventive‑maintenance programs. Maintain inventory of spare parts and consumables, track tool history and coordinate timely repairs or refurbishment.
New Product Development (NPD)
- Support new product introduction. Work with the NPD team from the RFQ stage into production to assess feasibility and product cost estimates. Participate in design reviews to ensure mold and part designs meet manufacturing capabilities and quality standards. Manage mold trials, sampling and process validation.
People Leadership and Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Lead, coach and develop the molding team. Mentor reports and set performance goals and conduct evaluations. Provide technical training on scientific molding principles and tool maintenance. Foster a collaborative and motivating work environment aligned with company values.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders. Work with the sales division to win new business. Collaborate with external tooling vendors and equipment suppliers to resolve issues, obtain quotes and implement new technology. Provide regular updates to senior management and on tooling projects, process improvements and schedule adherence.
Required Experience, Education and Skills
Education
- Degree in engineering a plus or equivalent experience. A degree a plus or equivalent experience in mechanical, plastics, manufacturing or industrial engineering is preferred. Advanced certifications in scientific injection molding, mold design or project management are desirable.
Experience
Scientific Molding and Process Development
- Design and optimize molding processes. Develop scientific molding parameters for new and existing products, including process window definition, cycle time optimization, cooling and clamp force calculation, and resin selection.
- Troubleshoot molding issues and improve process capability. Diagnose and resolve complex problems in molding systems, tooling and automation; lead root‑cause analyses and recommend preventive actions. Serve as the technical resource for injection‑molding process issues.
- Extensive injection‑molding experience. Experience in plastic injection molding with a strong understanding of materials science, molding technologies. Minimum five years in a leadership or management role in a tool room or molding department. Familiarity with IQ, OQ, and PQ validation and ISO13485 for both equipment and molded parts.
- Insert molding and over‑molding experience. Familiarity with insert‑molding processes and over‑molding techniques. Ability to design and optimize insert‑molding processes that achieve proper adhesion and alignment while minimizing cycle time and ensuring part quality and requirements.
- Data analysis and computer skills. ERP systems to manage production orders and standard office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Leadership and Soft Skills
- Strong leadership and communication. Effective communication skills for interacting with cross‑functional teams including sales, senior management; capable of presenting technical information clearly and persuasively.
- Project and resource management. Capable of managing multiple projects, setting priorities, and allocating resources to meet production and development schedules while staying within budget. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to make data‑driven decisions.
- Problem‑solving and analytical thinking. Skilled in identifying root causes, developing alternative solutions and implementing corrective actions. Demonstrates sound judgement when balancing production demands, quality requirements, cost considerations and NPD.
Pay: $200,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Data analysis skills: 2 years (Required)
- Molding Processes: 7 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
