Director of Engineering

Sapona Plastics is a leader in custom injection molding solutions for various industries, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and healthcare.

The Director of Engineering will oversee all aspects of tooling and equipment development for injection molding. This position will involve procurement, design changes, shop supervision, maintenance, and continuous improvement of tooling processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety. The ideal candidate will have a mix of technical expertise, knowledge of molding and machining, leadership skills, communication skills, and experience in manufacturing environments.

Reports to the President. Works closely with the VP of Operations.

Tool Design and Development:
Lead the design and development of injection molds, ensuring they meet quality and efficiency standards and customer requirements.

Project Management:
Manage the procurement of tooling, engineering changes and repairs, collaborating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality compliance.

Process Improvement:
Identify areas for improvement in mold design and manufacturing processes, implementing best practices and innovative solutions.

Supervision and organization:
Oversee shop operations, providing guidance and support to the tooling team to ensure safe and efficient workflow. Assure efficient and effective labor utilization. Assure shop has necessary supplies and equipment.

Maintenance Oversight:
Establish maintenance protocols, ensuring molds and equipment are maintained properly to prolong life and minimize downtime. Assure safe, clean and effective workplace.

Collaboration:

Work closely with customers, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to address engineering challenges and drive project success.

Reporting:
Prepare and present reports on tooling condition, budget management, and project timelines to upper management.

Training and Development:
Company will provide training as needed to provide broad and in-depth knowledge. May mentor and train interns, apprentices and technicians, fostering a culture of learning and development within the manufacturing team.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field.

3-5 years of experience in tooling design or engineering within the plastics industry.

Proven experience with mold design software (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD Fusion 360, etc.).

Strong understanding of injection molding processes and materials.

Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to project management.

Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Microsoft office skills and familiarity.

Knowledge of quality control standards and methodologies (e.g., First Article Inspection, Lean six sigma)

Journeyman toolmaker a plus.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience.

Retirement savings plan.

Paid time off and holidays.

Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Up to $5,000 in relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Understanding and communicating the quality policy, reinforcing customer focus, demonstrating leadership, conforming to Quality Environmental Safety Management System, taking action, communicating, and being held accountable, engaging people, directing and supporting, promoting process approach and continuous improvement with evidence based decision making, relationship management, risk based thinking and finally ensuring the Quality Environmental Safety Management System achieves intended results. Includes direct involvement with operators and reports to assure customer requirements are focused on by employees.

All employees are responsible for following the Quality, Environmental and Safety Rules.