Principal, Molding & Tooling Engineering

Torrey Holistics; Huntington (WV); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Flexible time off

Paid time off

Job summary

Alcon is seeking a Principal, Molding & Tooling Engineering to lead strategic tooling initiatives and optimize injection molding across global operations. You will serve as an SME for molding and tooling, driving innovation, troubleshooting issues, and supporting NPI from concept through production ramp-up.

The role requires a strong engineering background, hands-on tooling expertise, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while ensuring compliance with medical device regulations and quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of scientific molding principles.
• Experience in injection molding process development and validation.
• Hands-on experience with hot runner systems and associated tooling.
• Experience with automation troubleshooting and process monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision mold tooling and optimize injection molding processes.
• Lead improvements and validations for molds, tooling, and molding equipment.
• Oversee molding trials and document processes; assess material impacts.
• Support NPI from concept through ramp-up and collaborate with global teams.

Skills

Molding principles

Injection molding troubleshooting

Automation troubleshooting

Process monitoring systems

Dimensional inspection

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Hot runner systems

End-of-arm tooling (EOA)

Mold/tools equipment

Process monitoring systems

Job description

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?This role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help deliver brilliant outcomes.The Principal, Molding & Tooling Engineering (Science/Tech/Engineering Path) leads strategic and technical initiatives related to injection molding processes, mold/tooling design, and manufacturing optimization. You will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for molding and tooling, driving innovation, improving throughput, and supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and continuous improvement across global operations, including the design, development, and transfer (from R&D) of mold tooling and molding processes suited to part geometry, material properties, production volume, and cost efficiency, while troubleshooting molding issues, enhancing automation performance, implementing quality controls, and ensuring reliable production of molded plastic components.Specifics Include:Design and develop precision mold tooling and optimize injection molding processes for efficiency, reliability, and part qualityLead and approve improvements and validations for injection molds, tooling support systems, and molding equipmentProvide technical guidance during mold maintenance, qualification, and machine/equipment troubleshootingInvestigate process issues, and implement advanced improvements in tooling design and manufacturing techniquesDefine and optimize molding processes through capability studies, DOE, root cause analysis, and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ)Oversee molding trials, process documentation, and assessments of raw material impacts on molding performanceCollaborate with cross‑functional partners to reduce defects, enhance mold performance, and elevate production throughputScout and evaluate advanced tooling technologies and auxiliary equipment to drive safety, efficiency, and cost savingsRecommend capital investments, support tooling standardization, and write capital justificationsSupport New Product Introduction (NPI) from concept through production ramp-up, managing timelines, risks, and cost targetsPartners with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and global teams to ensure robust solutions across the product lifecycleMentor junior engineers and technicians on best practices in molding, tooling, and process developmentEnsure all tooling designs and molding processes meet regulatory, safety, and quality requirements for medical devicesMaintain documentation, change control, and quality compliance across internal and external systemsUphold GxP requirements by following SOPs, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring rigorous quality controlContribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellenceWHAT YOU’LL BRING TO ALCON:Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English5 Years of Relevant ExperienceWork Hours: Exempt: 40 hours per week: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM EST – 5:00 PM ESTTravel Requirements: Up to 10%Location: OnsiteRelocation is AvailableSponsorship is Not AvailablePREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:Degree in Engineering (Plastics or Mechanical Engineering strongly preferred but open to other disciplines)Strong understanding of scientific molding principlesProven experience troubleshooting and optimizing injection molding processes and equipmentExperience performing molding process validation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ)Hands‑on experience with hot runner systems and hot runner troubleshootingExperience troubleshooting automation, including end‑of‑arm (EOA) toolingExperience with process monitoring systemsExperience with contact and non‑contact dimensional inspectionIndustry experience in medical device manufacturing or other regulated environmentsHOW TO THRIVE AT ALCON:Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and learnings as work evolves!See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities!Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!Alcon Careers:See your impact at alcon.com.careersYou should be proficient in:Troubleshooting Industrial Automation EquipmentProcess EngineeringInjection Molding ExperienceMachines & technologies you'll use:Injection Molding Machine (Husky)