Engineering Manager

Total Plastic Solutions; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Total Plastic Solutions (TPS) in a fast-paced injection molding manufacturing setting seeks an Engineering Manager to lead engineering and technical operations. You will oversee mold design, process development, automation initiatives, and new program quoting while mentoring cross-functional teams.

Your expertise in injection molding, tooling, and project management will drive efficiency, uptime, and cost reduction across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Plastics Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in injection molding manufacturing.
• 3–5 years of leadership or management experience in an engineering environment.
• Strong background in injection mold design and mold construction.
• Experience managing tooling, automation, and project engineering functions.
• Proven experience quoting new injection molding programs and tooling.
• Knowledge of robotics and manufacturing automation systems preferred.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department, including Project Engineers, Toolroom personnel, and Automation Engineers/Technicians.
• Oversee injection mold design reviews, mold builds, mold repairs, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Provide technical leadership for injection molding process development, troubleshooting, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Support manufacturing operations by optimizing cycle times, reducing scrap, improving uptime, and increasing overall process capability.
• Manage new program launches from quotation through production implementation.
• Review customer RFQs and develop accurate cost estimates for tooling, automation, labor, and production requirements.
• Coordinate quoting activities for new business opportunities, including capital equipment and tooling requirements.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee automation projects including robotics, end-of-arm tooling, vision systems, and secondary operations integration.
• Direct tooling strategy including mold sourcing, design standards, repair priorities, and vendor management.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, process documentation, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, safety, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Sales teams to support operational and business goals.
• Develop project timelines, track milestones, and ensure on-time completion of engineering deliverables.
• Mentor and develop engineering and technical staff through coaching, training, and performance management.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Injection molding

Project management

Mold design

Automation integration

Vendor management

Lean manufacturing

Customer collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Mold flow analysis

Robotics platforms

Automation systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead engineering and technical operations within a fast-paced injection molding manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing mold design, injection molding process engineering, project engineering, toolroom operations, automation initiatives, and new program quoting activities.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on technical knowledge of injection molding processes, mold construction and design, automation integration, and manufacturing project management. This position requires a leader who can drive operational efficiency, support new business development, and mentor cross‑functional engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department, including Project Engineers, Toolroom personnel, and Automation Engineers/Technicians.
• Oversee injection mold design reviews, mold builds, mold repairs, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Provide technical leadership for injection molding process development, troubleshooting, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Support manufacturing operations by optimizing cycle times, reducing scrap, improving uptime, and increasing overall process capability.
• Manage new program launches from quotation through production implementation.
• Review customer RFQs and develop accurate cost estimates for tooling, automation, labor, and production requirements.
• Coordinate quoting activities for new business opportunities, including capital equipment and tooling requirements.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee automation projects including robotics, end‑of‑arm tooling, vision systems, and secondary operations integration.
• Direct tooling strategy including mold sourcing, design standards, repair priorities, and vendor management.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, process documentation, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, safety, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Sales teams to support operational and business goals.
• Develop project timelines, track milestones, and ensure on‑time completion of engineering deliverables.
• Mentor and develop engineering and technical staff through coaching, training, and performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Plastics Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in injection molding manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership or management experience in an engineering environment.
• Strong background in injection mold design and mold construction.
• Extensive experience with injection molding process setup, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience managing tooling, automation, and project engineering functions.
• Proven experience quoting new injection molding programs and tooling.
• Knowledge of robotics and manufacturing automation systems preferred.
• Familiarity with scientific molding principles and lean manufacturing practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret part drawings, mold designs, and technical specifications.
• Experience working with customers in automotive, medical, consumer, or industrial molding environments preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Injection molding processing and scientific molding
• Mold flow analysis and tooling design review
• Automation integration and robotics
• CAD software experience
• APQP, PPAP, and process validation experience
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

Key Performance Objectives

• Improve molding efficiency and process stability
• Reduce downtime and tooling‑related issues
• Successfully launch new programs on schedule
• Improve automation effectiveness and labor utilization
• Maintain quoting accuracy and profitability targets
• Develop high‑performing engineering and technical teams
• Manufacturing and production floor environment
• Hands‑on interaction with tooling, molding machines, and automation equipment
• Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, or industry events may be required

Why Join TPS?

At Total Plastic Solutions (TPS), you’re more than an employee — you’re part of a team that is growing, improving, and investing in the future. We offer opportunities to build a career in a stable manufacturing environment while working alongside people who value teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.