Injection Molding Team Lead

Cesna Recruitment; Missouri; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cesna Recruitment seeks an Injection Molding Team Lead to oversee our operations at the Jackson, GA facility. You will lead production for 450-1800 ton machines, manage scheduling, optimize processes, and develop a high-performing team.

The role emphasizes safety (OSHA), TPM maintenance, root-cause analysis, mold changeovers, and training of operators and setup technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 7 years in injection molding with at least 3 years in a Team Lead or Supervisor role.
• Experience with 450-1800 ton machines and mold changeover.
• Experience with data-driven production management / MES is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full-cycle injection molding operations, including setup, cycle time optimization, and quality control.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet demand and maximize machine utilization.
• Lead continuous improvement to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Train and mentor production operators and set‑up technicians; ensure safety protocols (OSHA).

Skills

Machine operation 450-1800T

Mold changeover

Troubleshooting

Production planning

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MES systems

Job description

We are seeking a hands‑on, results-driven Injection Molding Team Lead to oversee our injection molding operations at our new industrial plant in Jackson, Georgia. In this role, you will lead the production process for machines ranging from 450 to 1800 tons, manage production scheduling, optimize molding processes, and ensure high-quality output while leading and training the production team.

Production & Process Management

• Oversee full-cycle injection molding operations, including machine setup, cycle time optimization, and quality control.
• Develop and implement effective production schedules to meet demand and maximize machine utilization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to minimize downtime and reduce scrap rates.

Technical Operations

• Direct and participate in mold changeover procedures, ensuring efficiency and safety.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues on injection molding machines (450T?1800T).
• Coordinate mold set‑ups and support trial runs for new tooling.

Maintenance & Quality

• Manage preventative maintenance schedules to ensure machine reliability (TPM).
• Perform root cause analysis for production defects and implement corrective actions.

Team Leadership

• Train and mentor production operators and set‑up technicians.
• Standardize work processes and ensure all team members comply with safety protocols (OSHA).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in injection molding, with at least 3 years in a Team Lead or Supervisor role.

Technical Skills

• Proven proficiency in operating 450-ton to 1800-ton injection molding machines.
• Expertise in mold change and troubleshooting complex molding processes.
• Strong capability in production planning and resource allocation.

Soft Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, lead a diverse team, and solve problems under pressure.

Preferred Skills

• Previous work experience in a US-based industrial manufacturing facility.
• Experience with data-driven production management (e.g., MES systems).
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on building a high-performing production team.