Injection Molding Lead

Pela Case Corporation•Mesa, AZ

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Open Mind Developments is launching its first U.S.-based manufacturing and fulfillment facility in Mesa, Arizona, and is seeking a hands-on Injection Molding Lead. This role is crucial for establishing and maintaining smooth and efficient operations from day one. The Injection Molding Lead will be responsible for leading day-to-day production support, overseeing operators, troubleshooting equipment issues, and driving continuous improvements to maximize uptime, output, and product quality within a clean, controlled, state-of-the-art environment. The company values individuals who appreciate debate, thrive in fast-paced change, are solutions-focused, driven by curiosity, bring high energy, and are community-minded. They operate with impact, encourage testing and learning, value intelligence and innovative thinking over rigid experience, embrace smart risk-taking, and foster accountability. Their core values include Community, Creativity, Courage, and Consciousness.

Requirements

2–5 years experience in injection molding or a related plastic manufacturing environment
Injection molding experience and aptitude proven
Hands-on experience with mold setups, machine tuning, and process optimization
Knowledge of machines and processes in a manufacturing setting
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities
Basic math skills needed
Flexible schedule with possible production fluctuations
Physically able to lift 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and work in industrial environments
Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship
A team-player who wants to participate in green manufacturing and promote a sustainable future
Comfortable in a fast-moving, high-accountability environment

Responsibilities

Supervise and mentor Injection Machine Operators to ensure task understanding and procedural adherence
Provide on-the-floor guidance and motivation to help meet production and quality targets
Ensure smooth shift handovers with clear communication on production and quality targets
Assist with the training and onboarding of new Operators and Technicians
Monitor production processes, proactively identify and troubleshoot molding issues
Minimize downtime by resolving common issues independently and escalating complex problems to the Injection Manager as necessary
Record machine setups, changes, and maintenance activities for traceability
Perform and document in-process inspections to maintain product quality
Support investigations for non-conforming parts and corrective actions
Collaborate with the Injection Manager to fine-tune machine settings for maximum efficiency and quality
Proactively identify opportunities for cycle time reduction and performance improvement
Install and adjust molds, and configure machine parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, cycle time) based on specs
Support new mold trials and launches, ensuring optimal setup for quality output
Operate injection molding machines while overseeing your team’s production
Support Operators with mold changes, quality checks, labeling, packaging, and inspection tasks
Coordinate proper storage, preparation, and post-run cleaning of molds
Ensure molds are handled safely and per maintenance procedures
Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance of machines and molds
Ensure inventory of maintenance supplies and spare parts is adequately maintained
Track daily production volumes and ensure team meets or exceeds set output goals
Report production metrics and issues to the Injection Manager
Ensure dryers are stocked and materials are properly conditioned before production
Monitor and manage regrind inventory to minimize waste and cost
Enforce safety protocols and encourage a culture of safe practices on the production floor
Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free workspaces