Tooling Engineer Manager - Injection Mold - Automotive (35792)

We are seeking an experienced Tooling Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of injection molds and tooling systems. This position will oversee tooling projects from concept through production launch, ensuring molds meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in injection molding operations and tooling engineering, preferably within the automotive manufacturing industry. Candidates from other high-volume manufacturing environments such as consumer products, medical devices, packaging, or industrial plastics will also be considered.

Tooling Engineer Manager Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all tooling engineering activities related to injection molding operations.
• Oversee mold design, development, procurement, validation, and implementation.
• Manage tooling suppliers, mold makers, and external engineering partners.
• Support new product launches by ensuring tooling readiness and meeting project timelines.
• Drive tooling improvements to optimize cycle times, part quality, and production efficiency.
• Troubleshoot mold and tooling issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs for molds and tooling assets.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, and customers.
• Manage tooling budgets, capital expenditures, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis activities related to tooling failures and product defects.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and customer requirements.
• Mentor and develop a team of Tooling Engineers, Technicians, and Designers.

Tooling Engineer Manager Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of tooling engineering experience within an injection molding environment.
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molds, tooling systems, and mold maintenance practices.
• Experience managing tooling projects from design through production launch.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot mold-related production issues.
• Experience working with mold manufacturers and tooling vendors.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Experience in the automotive industry (Tier 1, Tier 2 supplier, or OEM environment).
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC methodologies.
• Experience supporting high-volume production environments.
• Knowledge of hot runner systems, multi-cavity molds, insert molding, and overmolding.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or CATIA.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
• PMP, Six Sigma, or equivalent certifications are considered assets.

Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc. has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success.

We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates.

We prioritize direct applicants; third-party resumes may not be reviewed.