Engineer, Tooling, Injection Molds

Summit Polymers•Portage, MI

About The Position

This highly technical role coordinates the development, design approval, build completion, and function of injection molding tools. The Tooling Engineer works with internal and external teams during project development to diagnose and analyze tooling concerns and recommend solutions. The role also develops and maintains relationships with tooling suppliers to ensure quality standards are met, and recommends and implements improvements to tooling quality systems. Under general supervision, the Tooling Engineer leads tooling design reviews and provides approval for manufacture, supporting schedules across design, build, and validation phases from mold kick-off through FR approval. The role ensures tool function supports straightforward setup and maintenance, leads functional sample activities and tooling-readiness determinations, and oversees resolution of functional sample issues. It also verifies supplier progress reporting, coordinates timely documentation for the USA PDT, represents the company in dealings with tool vendors, and provides technical support to Engineering, Plant, and Customer teams as needed. The position typically requires up to 15% travel. The employee must complete required post-hire training. Other duties, projects, and special assignments may be assigned as directed.

Requirements

Five years of experience as a Tool Maker, Tool Designer, or Tool Repair Technician.
Ability to work efficiently and independently with little to no supervision.
Ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
Minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Select Assessment, or a traditional score of 26 on the cognitive portion.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and lead design reviews and approve tooling for manufacture to support projected project schedules through design, build, and validation, from mold kick-off to FR approval.
Follow KBPD, TENG, and other required procedures, and complete and distribute documentation on time.
Ensure robust tool function for easy setup and maintenance.
Lead functional samples with the TEP, determine functional-ready tooling targets, ensure functional tool readiness, and complete associated sample forms.
Lead the determination of and approve completion of tooling functional sample resolution activities.
With assistance from the Engineering Coordinator, ensure timely submission of necessary documentation and tasks to the USA PDT.
Verify Supplier Progress Reports and Progress Report Summaries against projected completion dates.
Represent the company professionally to tool vendors and others, and act as a liaison to resolve problems and concerns.
Provide post-kick-off, post-design-review, and post-sample-event supplier wrap-up meetings as necessary.
Provide post-sample parts or reports, Mold Critique Sheets, and other required documentation for every sample event.
Distribute event documentation to suppliers and other PDT members as needed, and post it to SharePoint within 24 hours after milestone events.
Use problem-solving methods such as PPS (Practical Problem Solving), 8-D, and A3 creation.
Provide technical support to Engineering, Plant, or Customer teams when needed.
Perform receiving service samples for off-shore-built molds and complete necessary follow-up documentation according to KBPD and TENG procedures.
Complete other duties, projects, and special assignments as directed.
Complete required post-hire training.