Technical Manager

Interplastic Corporation • South Bend, IN

95d • $119,664 - $147,610

About The Position

The Technical Manager is responsible for leading product formulation, technical development, and process improvement for our molding compound product lines. This role partners cross-functionally with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, R&D, Sales, and customers to ensure products meet performance expectations, manufacturing requirements, and market needs. The Technical Manager will serve as the internal subject-matter expert on material properties, processing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or related field is preferred, not required.
• Prior experience in thermoset molding compounds, composites, resins, or polymer manufacturing is preferred, not required.
• Strong understanding of material formulation, compounding processes, and performance testing.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept to implementation.
• Experience supporting both laboratory development and plant-floor troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams (Operations, Sales, R&D, etc.).
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, testing, modification, and optimization of thermoset molding compounds.
• Provide hands-on technical support to production teams for process troubleshooting and efficiency improvement.
• Collaborate with Sales and customers to understand product requirements and translate those needs into formulation and processing solutions.
• Manage and execute plant trials, scale-ups, and new product introductions from lab to full-scale manufacturing.
• Support Quality to address non-conformances, material deviations, root-cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Maintain documentation on formulations, test data, specifications, processing parameters, and product performance.
• Provide training and guidance to plant personnel on material behavior, safe handling, testing procedures, and best manufacturing practices.
• Monitor competitive products, industry trends, and technology developments to ensure product positioning and innovation.
• Drive continuous improvement across product performance, cost efficiency, quality, and cycle time.

Benefits

• Positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
• Competitive benefits, including dental, vision, generous PTO, and 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunity to influence product direction and innovation across a key manufacturing business.
• Be part of a values-driven organization that invests in its people and continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees