SENIOR INJECTION MOLDING MANAGER

IMPACT

The Senior Injection Molding Manager has a fundamental function in the plant to assure the stability of processes and parameters in the molding area. The engineer works together with the multifunctional areas, having as internal customer to production, quality and EHS areas to make sure the production floor and lines are optimized to ensure the safety, cost, quality and delivery can be accomplished efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in molding process engineering within the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of automotive PPAP, APQP, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding machines (Arburg, Engel, Krauss-Maffei, etc.) and molding simulation software (Moldflow, Sigmasoft, etc.).
• Skilled in using DOE, root cause analysis, and Six Sigma tools.
• Experience with rubber molding or thermoset processes is a plus.
• Familiarity with automation systems, robotics, and auxiliary molding equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in CAD software and tooling design, with a deep understanding of injection molding processes.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• -Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• In-depth knowledge of the automotive or manufacturing industry, with a strong understanding of industry standards
• Basic Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001.
• Knowledge of problem-solving tools: 5W, 8D, Ishikawa.
• Knowledge in Engel injection machines.
• GD&T experience.
• Strong technical skills such as: electronics, robotics, pneumatics and mechanics.
• Machine quoting.
• Machining experience.
• Minitab.
• Scientific molding experience.
• Must be technically and socially fluent in local language and English.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Lead and optimize molding processes (injection, compression, or transfer molding) for plastic and rubber automotive components.
• Support new product launches from process development through PPAP and SOP (Start of Production).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for cycle time, scrap reduction, process stability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Tooling, and Quality teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with automotive standards (IATF 16949, APQP, etc.).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Troubleshoot complex molding issues, including tooling wear, flow imbalance, flash, short shots, and dimensional defects.
• Lead process validations, capability studies, and PFMEAs in support of product and process reliability.
• Serve as technical lead for mold trials, equipment commissioning, and transfer projects (local and global).
• Develop and maintain standardized work instructions, process sheets, and control plans.
• Train and mentor process technicians and junior engineers on scientific molding techniques and best practices.
• Coordinate with toolmakers, automation integrators, and material suppliers to support manufacturing needs.
• Process Design and Development: Oversee the design, development, of the molding process and parameters.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance molding process performance, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Manage molding from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
• Provide technical support and guidance to the engineering and production teams regarding injection processes.
• Ensure that all tooling and molds meet the highest quality standards and comply with industry regulations.
• Coordinate and manage department purchases (both OPEX and CAPEX).
• Strong problem solving analysis in the lines to optimize resources (production floor, headcount, cycle times, etc) and decrease waste (scrap, downtime, etc) by implementing methodology (5W, 8D, etc) and using tools.
• Create molds specification for quoting purposes with suppliers.
• Provide continuous technical coaching to molding personnel (process technicians).