Conductive Elastomer Manufacturing Manager

HEICO; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Leader Tech in Tampa, FL, seeks a technically qualified Manufacturing Manager for conductive elastomer materials and EMI shielding components. You will lead daily operations, ensure product quality, safety compliance, and optimize labor efficiency in a precision manufacturing environment serving high-rel industries.

You will oversee process control, NPI support, and CAPA while driving Lean/Six Sigma improvements and staff development.

Qualifications

• Degree in polymer science, materials or chemical engineering or related discipline.
• Experience managing a manufacturing operation in a precision environment.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001/AS9100 quality systems.
• Experience with elastomer processing and conductive fillers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily operations of elastomer mixing, milling, molding, bonding, curing, die cutting, and finishing.
• Schedule production and allocate labor to meet delivery while optimizing throughput.
• Oversee compounding of elastomer formulations with silver-plated aluminum, nickel-graphite, and other fillers.
• Maintain process control over cure profiles, durometer, and electrical conductivity requirements.
• Lead CAPA and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supervise production supervisors and develop workforce with continuous training.

Skills

Operations leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team leadership

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in polymer science or materials/chemical engineering

Job description

Leader Tech is a world leading innovator and manufacturer of EMI shielding products for circuit boards, electronic enclosures, interconnect cables and Thermal solutions founded in 1984. The Company serves a diverse commercial and military customer base from its Global EMI Shielding Technology Center located in Tampa, Florida. Every detail of the company’s one-of-a-kind manufacturing facility is tailor-engineered to streamline and improve customer service, engineering and manufacturing processes.

Position Summary

Leader Tech is seeking a technically qualified Conductive Elastomer Manufacturing Manager to lead, manage, and oversee all operations associated with the production of conductive elastomer materials and finished EMI shielding components, including bonded O-rings, pressed O-rings, die-cut gaskets, and custom elastomeric assemblies. This position requires a degree in technical professional with expertise in polymer science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or related discipline. The Manager’s primary duty is management of the assigned manufacturing operation and workforce, with responsibility for process control, product quality, labor efficiency, safety compliance, staffing and performance management, and continuous improvement within a precision manufacturing environment serving high-reliability industries.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and manage daily operations of conductive elastomer mixing, milling, molding, bonding, curing, die cutting, and finishing processes, including assignment and direction of work within the department.
• Manage production scheduling and labor allocation to meet customer delivery requirements while optimizing throughput and minimizing scrap.
• Oversee compounding of conductive elastomer formulations containing silver-plated aluminum, nickel-graphite, silver, or other conductive fillers.
• Ensure adherence to documented process parameters including cure profiles, compression set targets, durometer specifications, and electrical conductivity requirements.
• Exercise independent judgment in coordinating with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Tooling to establish priorities, resolve operational issues, and ensure efficient workflow and capacity utilization.

Technical Oversight

• Maintain process control over compression molding, transfer molding, bonding processes, and die cutting operations.
• Monitor and improve critical performance metrics including:
  • Volume resistivity / surface resistivity
  • Shielding effectiveness
  • Compression force deflection (CFD)
  • Tensile strength and elongation
  • Dimensional tolerances
• Support new product introduction (NPI), tooling validation, and first article inspections.
• Troubleshoot process deviations, curing inconsistencies, bonding failures, and material nonconformances.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and AS9100 (if applicable) quality standards.
• Maintain adherence to ESD control protocols and material traceability requirements.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) related to elastomer processing and assembly.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations related to polymer processing and conductive filler handling.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve process capability (Cp/Cpk).
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives related to scrap, cycle time, labor efficiency, and material utilization.
• Develop standard work instructions and optimize labor allocation.
• Support automation initiatives where applicable.

Team Management

• Supervise and direct production supervisors, lead operators, and manufacturing personnel, including at least two full-time employees or their equivalent.
• Conduct performance management, training, coaching, and workforce development; address performance and disciplinary matters within the scope of assigned authority.
• Participate in interviewing and selection of department personnel and make recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, discipline, performance improvement, and termination; such recommendations are given significant consideration in employment decisions.
• Ensure cross-training and succession planning within the department and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.