Process Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga, TN (NOW HIRING)

The Mold Process Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of injection molding processes, mold performance, tooling optimization, and production efficiency. This position develops and maintains robust molding processes, improves cycle times, reduces scrap, supports new product launches, and ensures consistent product quality. In addition to process leadership, the Mold Process Manager provides oversight of the maintenance function by prioritizing equipment reliability, coordinating preventive maintenance activities, and ensuring production equipment is maintained to support operational goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities -

Mold Processing & Production (Primary Responsibilities) 

• Lead all injection molding process development, optimization, and troubleshooting. 
• Establish and maintain standard process parameters for all production molds. 
• Optimize cycle times while maintaining quality and machine efficiency. 
• Analyze production data to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). 
• Troubleshoot molding defects including flash, short shots, burn marks, splay, sink, warpage, and cosmetic defects. 
• Approve all process changes and document revisions. 
• Lead mold startup, validation, and first-piece approval. 
• Support new mold qualifications and production launches. 
• Monitor scrap and implement corrective actions. 
• Improve productivity through scientific molding techniques. 
• Develop standardized setup procedures. 
• Work closely with Quality, Production, and Engineering to resolve manufacturing issues. 
• Analyze process trends and recommend continuous improvements. 
• Ensure molds are properly maintained and production-ready. 

Maintenance Oversight (Secondary Responsibilities) 

• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules to minimize production interruptions. 
• Prioritize maintenance activities based on production needs. 
• Work with maintenance technicians to resolve equipment failures quickly. 
• Review equipment downtime and identify recurring issues. 
• Participate in root cause analysis for major equipment failures. 
• Recommend equipment upgrades and capital improvements. 
• Ensure spare parts inventory supports production requirements. 
• Coordinate outside vendors and service providers when necessary. 
• Assist with facility maintenance planning as needed. 

Leadership 

• Provide leadership and technical guidance to Process Technicians, Mold Technicians, and Maintenance personnel. 
• Train and mentor employees on proper processing techniques. 
• Develop standard work instructions and operating procedures. 
• Support employee development and cross-training. 
• Foster teamwork between Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives. 
• Improve machine utilization and process capability. 
• Reduce downtime through process improvements. 
• Reduce scrap and rework. 
• Improve mold performance and longevity. 
• Participate in Kaizen events. 
• Utilize data to drive production improvements. 

Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and company safety policies. 
• Support Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. 
• Promote safe operation of molding equipment. 
• Participate in safety investigations and corrective actions. 
• Maintain compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements. 

Qualifications 

• Minimum 5–7 years of injection molding experience. 
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership role. 
• Working knowledge of industrial maintenance principles. 

Knowledge & Skills 

• Injection molding process optimization 
• Mold troubleshooting 
• Tooling management 
• Root cause analysis 
• Continuous Improvement 
• OEE analysis 
• SPC and quality systems 
• Preventive maintenance planning 
• Leadership and team development 
• Strong communication and organizational skills 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

• Process stability and repeatability 
• Machine uptime 
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) 
• Cycle time improvements 
• Scrap and rework reduction 
• Mold performance 
• Preventive maintenance completion 
• Downtime reduction 
• New product launch success 
• Safety performance 
• Employee development 
• Production efficiency 
• Customer quality performance 

Position Authority 

This position has direct responsibility for all molding processes and tooling performance while providing operational oversight and prioritization for the maintenance department. The Mold Process Manager works closely with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability but remains primarily accountable for maximizing production efficiency, quality, and process performance.

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