Tooling Manager

Expert Connections; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for technical leadership

Involvement in international projects

Diverse responsibilities

Job summary

Expert Connections is seeking a Tooling Manager for a global automotive manufacturer located south of Richmond, VA. This role involves overseeing tooling operations and maintenance of injection molding equipment while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will manage tool builds and repairs, troubleshoot systems, and collaborate cross-functionally with production and quality teams to enhance operational efficiency.

Excellent opportunity to work on international projects and advanced tooling technologies.

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal apprenticeship or technical training program.
• 5+ years of mold making experience.
• Experience with electrical systems and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee tooling builds, repairs, and maintenance for injection molding operations.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems on injection molding equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on machinery and equipment.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Basic PLC programming

Reading blueprints and schematics

Automotive experience

Education

Formal apprenticeship or technical training

Tools

SAP

Engel molding equipment

Job description

Our client, a global automotive manufacturer, is seeking a Tooling Manager to oversee tooling operations, injection molding equipment maintenance, and support new tooling projects at their facility south of Richmond, VA.

The role is responsible for managing tool builds and repairs, maintaining injection molding equipment, and collaborating cross-functionally with production, quality, and customers to ensure operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee tooling builds, repairs, and maintenance for injection molding operations
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems on injection molding equipment
• Perform preventative maintenance (PMs) on machinery and equipment
• Modify, repair, and rebuild plant machinery as needed
• Provide technical guidance and instructions on equipment maintenance and repair procedures
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and leadership teams to resolve tooling issues and support new projects
• Manage relationships with customers and vendors regarding tooling builds and repairs
• Travel domestically and internationally to oversee tooling projects and repairs
• Support customer visits and maintain strong customer relationships
• Drive adherence to company policies while fostering continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal apprenticeship or technical training program
• 5+ years of mold making experience
• Experience with electrical systems and schematics
• Basic PLC programming experience (Siemens)
• Ability to read blueprints, machine manuals, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Automotive experience strongly preferred
• SAP experience preferred
• Experience with Engel molding equipment preferred

Why Join?

• Opportunity to work with a global automotive manufacturer in a highly technical leadership role
• Exposure to international projects and collaboration with global teams
• Hands-on involvement with advanced tooling, automation, and injection molding technologies
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and influence operational performance
• Diverse responsibilities spanning tooling, maintenance, automation, and customer interaction