Molding Engineering Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide management, oversight, and technical expertise for all production molding engineers and technicians and will coordinate activities and tooling in operations.  This role will have the responsibility of providing our manufacturing operations with the vision, technology, and expertise needed for all molding processes. This involves supporting molding project timelines, molding process improvements and validation activities, and serving as the Flexan SLC molding Subject Matter Expert (SME). The ideal candidate will not only manage the team but will also be actively involved in the day-to-day operations, including working on the cleanroom floor, driving technical projects, and making hands-on improvements to our processes and equipment.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reporting directly to the Plant Engineering Manager, the Molding Manager will be passionate about creating a culture of safety, cooperation, and commitment to delivering high quality products on time and at cost.
• Coordinate all production molding activities in close collaboration with all project stakeholders (NPI, facilities, production management, planning, etc.).
• Lead by example, demonstrating a willingness to work alongside engineers and technicians to resolve pressing challenges in real-time.
• Train and mentor molding engineers in best practices related to validation activities (IQ, OQ, PQ), and how to perform a successful product line transfer into production. 
• Motivate staff and provide technical direction and guidance, as well as hands-on project execution, recognizing the role as that of both manager and support resource / mentor.
• Focus on the development of engineering resources through regular 1on1’s, creating a development plan for each engineer, maintaining motivation and providing opportunities for growth & learning, etc.
• Promote a Safety-First mentality for all Molding production areas, equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Lead process optimization and continuous improvement (CI) activities related to molded components, ensuring constant communication across the value stream, timely execution, while promoting a culture of teamwork and accountability.
• Assess engineering resources and equipment requirements, aligning with and creating plans to achieve annual departmental goals.
• Create a strong operational excellence and CI mindset within the engineering organization through the use of lean manufacturing tools in order to optimize performance to quality, delivery, and cost.
• Responsible for implementing new molding processes, optimizing existing processes, and troubleshooting issues to improve product quality and increased efficiency.
• Develop and mentor a zero-loss mindset across critical areas to optimize quality, delivery, and cost while improving safety.

• Demonstrates all corporate values:
• We think and act like owners.
• We are bold in our aspirations while moving forward with humility and integrity.
• We are committed to making our customers successful.
• We foster inspired teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in Engineering or related field
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects
• Ability to coach and work with teams undertaking Continuous Improvement activities
• Minimum 8 years related engineering experience.
• Medical device manufacturing experience
• Excellent written communication and computer skills
• Must have a sound understanding of the following:
• Molding process validation and associated theory / tools
• Defect analysis and rapid problem solving.
• Root cause analysis of equipment issues
• Design for Manufacture (DFM)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 years management experience
• Master Molder 1 Certification is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of ISO 13485 and FDA Quality System requirements
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Knowledge of various business functions (financial, sales and marketing) as it relates to molding development and manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of solid modeling software (Solidworks preferred)
• Solid understanding of current software, tooling and mechanical engineering issues and needs
• Injection molding and material coatings, medical grade plastics, extrusion, and final assembly manufacturing.

Physical Demands

• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

• The position requires work in a clean room environment and is expected to follow the guidelines and rules for working in the cleanroom. This includes following the gowning procedure, cleanroom manufacturing procedures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and operating molds.