Program Manager - Plastic Injection Molding & Tooling

PSI Molded Plastics; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PSI Molded Plastics in Mishawaka, IN is seeking a technically strong Program Manager to lead complex injection molding programs from quote through tooling, validation, and production launch.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of mold tooling, proven project management skills, and the ability to collaborate with mold builders, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver on-time, within scope and budget.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of plastic injection mold tooling.
• Experience coordinating tooling projects and mold builds.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and tooling designs.
• Experience working with tooling suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple customer programs from quotation through tooling development, validation, and production launch.
• Serve as primary point of contact for program timing, requirements, milestones and status.
• Develop and maintain detailed schedules, budgets, action-item lists, and program documentation.
• Lead cross-functional meetings, identify risks, and coordinate solutions to keep programs on track.
• Coordinate mold trials, engineering changes, tooling modifications, and corrective actions.
• Support quoting, feasibility assessment, and cost optimization for tooling and production.

Skills

Mold tooling

Tooling coordination

Engineering drawings

Stakeholder mgmt

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About PSI Molded Plastics

PSI Molded Plastics is an established custom plastic injection molding manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience serving customers across the automotive, appliance, furniture, and other industries.

We specialize in complex, high-volume molded products and are committed to delivering exceptional quality, innovative manufacturing solutions, and outstanding customer service.

At PSI, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative environment where employees are valued, ideas are encouraged, and individuals have the opportunity to take ownership and make a meaningful impact.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a technically strong, results-driven Program Manager to join our South Bend, Indiana team.

This position plays a critical role in managing customer programs from initial quotation and technical feasibility through tooling development, validation, and successful production launch.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of plastic injection mold tooling, excellent project management and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with customers, mold builders, and internal manufacturing teams.

Beyond traditional program management, this individual will actively support new business opportunities by coordinating tooling RFQs, evaluating manufacturability, reviewing supplier quotations, and exploring cost‑effective manufacturing solutions, including automation.

We're looking for someone who brings more to the table than project coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Customer Relations

• Manage multiple customer programs from initial quotation and project award through tooling development, validation, and production launch.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers regarding program timing, technical requirements, project milestones, and overall status.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, action-item lists, and program documentation.
• Lead cross-functional project meetings, proactively identify risks, and coordinate solutions to keep programs on track.
• Communicate program status, challenges, and action plans to customers, suppliers, and internal leadership.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Quality, Tooling, and Production to ensure successful project execution.

Tooling Development & Technical Oversight

• Coordinate the design, construction, modification, sampling, and validation of plastic injection molds.
• Work directly with mold builders and internal technical teams to ensure tooling meets performance, quality, cost, and timing requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, mold designs, and tooling concepts to evaluate manufacturability and identify potential concerns.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and recommend improvements to optimize tooling performance and production efficiency.
• Coordinate mold trials, engineering changes, tooling modifications, and corrective actions throughout program development.
• Monitor tooling progress, identify potential delays, and work proactively with suppliers to resolve technical challenges.

Quoting, Feasibility & Cost Optimization

• Support Sales and Engineering during the quotation process by providing technical input on manufacturability, tooling requirements, and production feasibility.
• Prepare and distribute Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to tooling suppliers, evaluate responses, and assist in supplier selection.
• Review tooling quotations for technical completeness, cost competitiveness, and alignment with project requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to evaluate manufacturing processes, equipment requirements, and opportunities for automation.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs through tooling design improvements, process optimization, automation, and alternative manufacturing approaches.
• Support the evaluation of capital equipment and tooling investments associated with new programs.

Production Launch & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate prototype builds, mold sampling, process development, and production readiness activities.
• Support APQP and PPAP requirements to ensure customer expectations and launch milestones are achieved.
• Monitor project costs, tooling expenditures, and schedule performance to ensure programs remain within established targets.
• Facilitate successful transitions from development into full production.
• Identify opportunities to improve program execution, tooling performance, and overall manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong technical knowledge of plastic injection mold tooling, including mold construction, design, and functionality.
• Experience coordinating tooling projects, mold builds, engineering changes, or manufacturing programs.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tooling designs, and technical specifications.
• Experience working directly with tooling suppliers, customers, and cross‑functional manufacturing teams.
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and customer expectations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

Preferred

• Five or more years of experience in plastic injection molding, mold tooling, or related manufacturing engineering.
• Previous experience as a Program Manager, Tooling Engineer, Mold Designer, Tool Room Manager, Project Engineer, or similar technical role.
• Experience supporting tooling quotations, evaluating manufacturing feasibility, and coordinating RFQs with mold builders.
• Experience managing new product launches from initial quotation through production.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFM, and automotive manufacturing requirements.
• Experience identifying manufacturing cost reductions, process improvements, and automation opportunities.
• Experience coordinating domestic or international mold builders and tooling suppliers.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is technically capable, organized, resourceful, and comfortable taking ownership of challenging projects.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a solid understanding of injection mold tooling and can confidently communicate with mold builders, engineers, and customers.
• Anticipates problems rather than waiting for them to become emergencies.
• Takes pride in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to customer expectations.
• Builds strong working relationships and communicates proactively.
• Is comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment where priorities can change.
• Enjoys being hands‑on and involved in the technical details of a project.
• Approaches challenges with a solution‑oriented mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why Join PSI Molded Plastics?

• Opportunity to manage technically challenging programs across a diverse customer base.
• Direct involvement in tooling development, engineering, manufacturing, and new business opportunities.
• Collaborative leadership environment where your technical knowledge and ideas are valued.
• Opportunity to take ownership of projects and make a measurable impact.
• Established manufacturing organization committed to continuous improvement and innovation.