Lead Injection Molding Supervisor — Startup Ops

KLA Industries, Inc.; McDonough (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA Industries is seeking an experienced Injection Molding Supervisor to oversee daily molding operations in our startup manufacturing facility in McDonough, GA. The role emphasizes hands‑on leadership, equipment startup support, and adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards.

You will lead production personnel, troubleshoot process issues, and coordinate with cross‑functional teams to drive operational readiness and continuous improvement as the facility scales.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in injection molding operations with hands‑on troubleshooting.
• Experience supervising or leading production teams.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, machines, robotics, and auxiliary equipment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily injection molding operations to meet schedules, quality, and efficiency goals.
• Provide training, direction, and technical support to production staff.
• Oversee machine setups, mold changes, and changeovers to minimize downtime.
• Monitor cycle times, material usage, and process consistency.
• Develop and implement SOPs within the startup facility.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Safety & SOPs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Plastics/Manufacturing

Tools

Injection molding machines

Robotics systems

Mold tooling

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Injection Molding Supervisor to oversee daily injection molding operations within a startup manufacturing facility operating first and second shifts.

This position will play a key role in establishing efficient production processes, supporting equipment startup, and ensuring consistent standards for safety, quality, and productivity.

The Injection Molding Supervisor will provide hands-on technical leadership, oversee production personnel, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to support operational readiness and production goals.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong injection molding experience, technical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to help establish and improve processes in a growing manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations & Leadership

• Supervise daily injection molding operations, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and efficiency goals are met.
• Provide direction, training, and technical support to production personnel across assigned operations.
• Oversee machine setups, startups, mold changes, and equipment changeovers to minimize downtime.
• Monitor production performance, cycle times, material usage, and process consistency.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the startup facility.

Process Control & Troubleshooting

• Monitor and optimize injection molding parameters, including temperature, pressure, speed, cooling time, and cycle time.
• Troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flash, sink marks, warpage, burn marks, and weld lines.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, reduce scrap, and maintain consistent product quality.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Tooling teams to resolve equipment, robotic, hydraulic, electrical, and mold-related issues.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure proper handling, drying, blending, and traceability of thermoplastic materials and regrind.
• Maintain compliance with established quality standards and production specifications.
• Enforce workplace safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and 5S standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, and waste reduction.
• Assist with employee training, process documentation, and operational improvements as production expands.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in injection molding operations, including hands-on process troubleshooting and mold changes.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or demonstrated production leadership experience preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of injection molding machines, molds, robotics, and auxiliary equipment.
• Proven ability to identify and correct molding defects, optimize cycle times, and improve process efficiency.
• Working knowledge of thermoplastic materials, resin handling, and material controls.
• Experience supporting production startups, equipment installations, or new manufacturing processes preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Startup manufacturing facility establishing production operations and processes.
• Facility will operate first and second shifts, Monday through Friday.
• Position requires onsite presence and flexibility to support production needs across shifts.
• Hands-on manufacturing environment requiring regular interaction with production equipment, personnel, and cross-functional teams.