Molding Manager

The Molding Manager is responsible for overseeing all injection molding operations in a multi-industry, high-precision manufacturing environment. This position ensures that molding processes support the diverse requirements of the Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Telecommunications, Industrial & Business Equipment, Government/Defense, Safety, Instrumentation & Control, and Construction industries. The role focuses on achieving consistent part quality, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance across varied customer requirements, while leading a skilled team of technicians, operators, and setup personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Management

• Plan, prioritize, and manage daily molding operations to meet production schedules across multiple high-complexity industries.
• Ensure proper setup, calibration, and operation of injection molding machines, robotics, and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor cycle times, scrap rates, material usage, first-pass yield, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE).
• Troubleshoot molding issues related to process stability, tooling performance, material flow, and machine function.
• Oversee mold and color changes, scientific molding setups, and first-article validation for new and existing products.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, train, and mentor molding technicians, process techs, setup personnel, and machine operators.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct evaluations to support employee growth and accountability.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing, shift coverage, onboarding, and cross-training initiatives.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure molding operations comply with industry-specific requirements including:
• Automotive: IATF 16949 practices
• Aerospace/Defense: AS9100, ITAR, DFARS considerations
• Medical: ISO 13485 and cleanroom-related processes
• Electronics & Telecommunications: precision and ESD-safe handling protocols
• Collaborate with Quality to address nonconformities, root causes, and corrective actions.
• Maintain and enforce SOPs, process sheets, work instructions, and molding validation records.
• Ensure dimensional, cosmetic, and functional part quality meets customer and regulatory requirements.

Tooling, Maintenance & Equipment Management

• Coordinate mold maintenance, repairs, PM schedules, and tooling improvements with internal and external tooling resources.
• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend upgrades or replacements to support industry demands.
• Ensure molds, inserts, and tooling are properly handled, stored, and tracked.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Drive lean initiatives (5S, SMED, Kaizen) to support operational efficiency and waste reduction.
• Analyze process data to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and enhance process capability (Cp/Cpk).
• Implement scientific molding principles and data-driven profiles to ensure repeatability and quality.
• Lead cost-reduction and efficiency-improvement projects without compromising quality or compliance.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Plastics, or related field (preferred).
• 5–10 years of experience in plastic injection molding, including supervisory or management roles.
• Experience supporting regulated or high-precision industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, defense, or electronics manufacturing.

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of injection molding processes, materials, thermoplastics, and auxiliary equipment.
• Strong ability to diagnose and correct molding, tooling, and processing issues.
• Proficiency in scientific molding, DOE methodology, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, and structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D, RCA, DMAIC).
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100, and ITAR export compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, planning, and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move within a manufacturing environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in areas with machinery, noise, heat, and moving equipment.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, high-mix plastic injection molding operation serving diverse, regulated, and precision-driven industries.
• May require off-shift or weekend support based on production needs.