Technical Process Manager – Molding & Automation

Cool Gear International; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Supplemental life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science or similar discipline.
• 7 years of hands-on plastic process molding in Blowmolding or Injection molding.
• RJG Master Molder certification (preferred).
• English: read, write, speak and comprehend well.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage Igloo’s molding Process Engineering team.
• Develop robust molding processes for Blowmold and Injection molding.
• Create and maintain Process Lock-Down Books with baseline parameters and change logs.
• Provide training to Operations Molding Teams.
• Lead automation development in Igloo’s molding departments.
• Establish and manage annual Process Engineering budget.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Tool-&-Die to resolve root causes.

Skills

Process Engineering

Molding

Automation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

RJG Master Molder certification

Tools

HY Robotics

Viper

Sepro

Tracer

Fanuc

Job description

Igloo Products Corp is an iconic and fast-growing American brand known for exceptional and durable performance for everyday cooler needs. After more than 75 years of as the leader as a housewares brand, Igloo has pivoted to a high growth lifestyle brand for outside activities associated with fun, family and friends

Founded in as a metalworking shop bringing fresh cold water to Texas workers in the field to inventing the Playmate to becoming America’s most recognizable brand of ice chests, the Igloo story spans more than 75 years of delivering coolness to the world. Today, Igloo has 90% + brand awareness and is #1 in market share in the US, is a pioneer in sustainability for our category with the launch of biodegradable coolers and coolers made with from post-consumer recycled resin and other sustainable materials and has a growing DTC business allowing us to build direct relationships with our consumers. In 2021, Igloo was acquired by Dometic Brands and now there is the opportunity to Globally grow both brands together.

We are on a journey of continuous growth – now looking for our next star – a passionate Manager – Technical Process

This role, you will be involved in managing, motivating and facilitating Process Engineering, NPD mold process development, and continuous improvement activities to achieve breakthrough results, and to continuously improve and meet Igloo strategy goals. Leverage current equipment and deploy new automation to opportunistically eliminate direct labor, improve uptime, and improve attainment

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directly manage Igloo’s molding Process Engineering team
• Create capable teams in the above disciplines and equip them with the resources needed to achieve their and Igloo’s goals
• Coach and Mentor Igloo’s Process team including Process Engineers, Process Technicians, and Setup Technicians
• Assign self or team member to develop robust, technically sound molding processes in Blowmold and Injection Molding.
• Assign self or team member to create and maintain Process Lock-Down Books including baseline process parameters and change logs
• Troubleshoot process failures and provide Root Cause Corrective Actions driving toward long-lasting and sustainable processes
• Serve effectively as a primary advisor and contributor for Operations in the new product development process. Advise and guide team to optimize part design to drive toward Design-For-Manufacture best principles.
• Develop and Provide training in support of Igloo’s Operations Molding Teams
• Serve as technical lead for automation development in Igloo’s molding departments
• Investigate OEM recommended preventative maintenance activities and build and document a robust PM program tailored to all of Igloo’s part-pick-robots (HY Robotics, Viper, Sepro, Tracer, & Fanuc).
• Assign Self or staff to document preventative maintenance program (e.g. checklists for required activities, frequency of required activities, procedures, etc.)
• Identify opportunities for process/robot training of technical staff and schedule outside training as necessary.
• Establish and manage the annual expense budget of the Process Engineering Department
• Work directly with Quality, Maintenance, Tool-&-Die teams to identify root cause issues and implement long-lasting corrective actions.
• Investigate and identify industry emerging technologies and implement such technologies
• Other duties as assigned

What do we offer?

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short term & Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

A suitable background would be a solid experience within the following qualifications and experiences:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science or similar discipline
• Minimum Experience: Seven (7) years of hands-on plastic process molding experience in either Blowmolding or Injection molding;
• Preferred Experience: three (3) years of experience managing engineers, skilled craftsmen and staff. RJG Master Molder certification
• English Language Skills: Able to read, write, speak and comprehend English, excellent written and oral skills
• Math Skills: Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Physical Demands: General office and Plant floor environment
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

To be successful in this role, we believe that you possess the following skills, competencies & characteristics:

• Experience in Engineering of Plastic products
• Public speaking experience

Physical Demands & Conditions
(Applicable to Igloo Operators, Technicians, Leaders, and Other Roles in Manufacturing)

Standing & Walking
Roles may involve extended periods (up to 12 hours) of standing and walking, including moving at a brisk pace and occasional stair climbing.

Postural Requirements
Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and working in low or awkward positions during production or maintenance tasks.

• Operator-level roles may involve lifting up to 25 lb repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Technician-level roles may involve lifting up to 50 lb multiple times per day, including overhead lifts.
• Where possible, mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, forklifts) are used.

Fine Motor Skills & Tool Use
Use of both hands is required to operate tools, perform adjustments, and handle assembly materials with precision.

Visual Requirements
Sufficient visual acuity (e.g., 20/40 with or without correction) is necessary for tasks involving inspection and safe equipment operation.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in a production setting where seasonal temperatures may range from 100–120°F (with humidity) in summer to cooler conditions in winter.
• High noise levels are common; hearing protection is provided and required.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as ear protection, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and protective clothing may be required depending on the task.

Additional Job Considerations
These roles can be physically demanding, involving repetitive motions and long hours. Technicians may be required to handle heavy molds and materials; use of material handling equipment is provided and encouraged.

And of course – our Core Values

To thrive and succeed in this role, you understand the importance of our core values – Together We build our future, We play to win, We embrace change and We walk the talk; these values reflect the heart and soul of Dometic and they define what it takes to work here and how we do things.

Are you our next star?Then we would love to see your application.

Dometic is passionate about building together an inclusive and equitable working environment, that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that diversity enables us to thrive across our differences. Be yourself and join us!

Igloo offers equal opportunities for everyone. Equal opportunities mean that all employees shall be treated according to their abilities and qualifications in every employment decision, including but not limited to hiring, advancement, compensation benefits, training, lay-offs and termination. Any form of discrimination or harassment against employees due to personal factors, such as gender, ethnicity, skin color, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability and pregnancy or employees with family responsibilities is prohibited.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.

Igloo supports and respects the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. We do not tolerate child labor or any form of modern slavery, including forced, bonded or compulsory labor, physical or psychological punishment or human trafficking

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.