Molding Manager

Grand Rapids Controls•Rockford, MI

48d•Onsite

About The Position

Plan, direct, and optimize plastic injection molding processes to produce parts that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production efficiency targets. Provide technical leadership in molding processes, mold tooling performance, and process troubleshooting to ensure safe, stable, and repeatable production.

Requirements

Degree in Plastics Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant injection molding experience.
3–5+ years experience in injection molding process development or troubleshooting.
Experience with mold sampling, validation, and tooling evaluation.
Strong understanding of injection molding processes and defect troubleshooting.
Working knowledge of mold design fundamentals (gating, venting, cooling, part ejection).
Experience with scientific molding techniques and process validation.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and mold designs.
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor technical teams in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to coach team members and address performance or behavioral concerns professionally.
Strong problem solving and root cause analysis skills.
Strong communication and collaboration skills across production, engineering, quality, and leadership teams.
Ability to mentor and train technical staff.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Nice To Haves

RJG Master Molder or equivalent scientific molding certification (Strongly Preferred)

Responsibilities

Develop, evaluate, improve, and monitor injection molding processes to ensure part quality, cycle time efficiency, and process stability.
Establish and document robust process parameters using scientific molding principles.
Troubleshoot molding defects and process variation through structured root cause analysis.
Estimate cycle times and process capabilities to support staffing, production planning, and cost estimates.
Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure production meet operational and customer requirements.
Lead mold sampling, qualification, and validation activities for new and existing tooling.
Provide technical guidance on mold design considerations including gating, venting, cooling, steel selection, and part ejection.
Work with toolmakers, engineers, and mold vendors to diagnose tooling-related processing issues.
Recommend mold modifications to improve process stability, cycle time, part quality, or mold life.
Confer with customers and internal departments (Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance) to ensure efficient production methods and successful program launches.
Support new product launches by developing robust molding processes and participating in mold design and tooling reviews.
Determine molding equipment, material, and tooling requirements to meet product specifications.
Evaluate products and processes for conformance to specifications, quality standards, and customer expectations.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to set-up technicians, leads and manufacturing team members.
Develop and maintain processing standards, documentation, and training materials.
Lead training initiatives and support technical skill development within the molding team.
Supervise Team Leads responsible for molding operations.
Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and support employee development.
Partner with manufacturing leadership to set expectations, address performance concerns, and reinforce operational standards.
Stop production when a quality concern, machine malfunction, or safety risk is identified.
Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering to resolve safety or equipment concerns in a timely manner.
Stay current on advancements in molding technology, plastics materials, processing methods, and molding equipment.