Plastics Product and Tooling Engineering Manager

Plastics Product and Tooling Engineering Manager –

Position Summary:
The Plastics Product and Tooling Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the design, development, and launch of plastic components and tooling systems. This individual will oversee the engineering team involved in product design, tooling development, and process validation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and performance specifications. The manager serves as the technical liaison between product development, toolmakers, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage engineering activities related to plastic part design, tooling development, and mold validation.
• Oversee the development and release of new plastic products, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
• Direct tool design reviews and coordinate with internal teams and external tool shops for mold construction, trials, and qualification.
• Provide technical guidance in materials selection, gate/parting line decisions, and mold construction strategies.
• Lead and support Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Mold Flow Analysis, and risk assessments (FMEA) during product development.
• Manage timelines and deliverables for tooling projects to support production launch schedules.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot tooling and part quality issues and lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support cost estimation for tooling and part pricing during the quoting process.
• Coordinate with procurement, program management, and quality assurance to align cross-functional objectives.
• Develop and mentor a team of engineers and technicians.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in plastics product design, mold/tooling engineering, or injection molding.
• 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of thermoplastics, injection molding processes, and tooling systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA).
• Familiarity with Mold Flow or similar simulation tools.
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and dimensional control.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with global tool sourcing and supplier management.
• Knowledge of secondary processes (e.g., ultrasonic welding, painting, vacuum metalizing).
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 processes in automotive or regulated industries.