Lead Engineer Process Molding Tiempo Completo

The lead engineer for molding process 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.

Education and Required Qualifications:

• 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 t echnically and socially fluent in local language and English.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.).
• 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).
• Ensure Engineers comply with applicable APQP process steps.
• Generate and follow up compliance of key indicators with engineers and provide support with escalation roadblocks.
• Ensure Engineers obtain relevant information for transfer projects.
• Provide adequate support to other areas such as: Production, Quality, Manufacturing, etc.
• Ensure that Engineers actively participate as Process Owners.
• Ensure the development of new processes using lean manufacturing techniques.
• Make visits to customers and suppliers as required.
• Attend visits from customers, suppliers or colleagues from other locations as required
• Monitor validation of new or transferred equipment, detect and resolve operational problems that result.
• Meet and satisfy specific customer requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of molding equipment including injection molding machines, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, robotics, hot runners, and chillers.
• Supervise and mentor maintenance technicians in best practice for molding equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Ensure proper installation, alignment, and validation of new molding machinery and tooling.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Production teams to identify and resolve chronic equipment and tooling issues.
• Analyze downtime and maintenance data to identify trends and drive root cause corrective actions (RCCA).
• Manage and maintain documentation including maintenance logs, repair records, equipment manuals, and maintenance SOPs.
• Support mold/tool changeovers and assist in tool maintenance, cleaning, and repair strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, electrical/mechanical codes, and internal quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 14001, etc.).
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers for complex repairs, rebuilds, or upgrades.
• Work in coordination with other departments to improve plant-wide productivity.
• Create and manage new projects for capital investment, human resource and new equipment requirements, or additional tooling to support operational or replacement requirements.

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