Lead Injection Molding Supervisor — Startup Ops

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Injection Molding Supervisor to oversee daily injection molding operations within a startup manufacturing facility operating first and second shifts.

This position will play a key role in establishing efficient production processes, supporting equipment startup, and ensuring consistent standards for safety, quality, and productivity.

The Injection Molding Supervisor will provide hands-on technical leadership, oversee production personnel, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to support operational readiness and production goals.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong injection molding experience, technical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to help establish and improve processes in a growing manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations & Leadership

• Supervise daily injection molding operations, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and efficiency goals are met.
• Provide direction, training, and technical support to production personnel across assigned operations.
• Oversee machine setups, startups, mold changes, and equipment changeovers to minimize downtime.
• Monitor production performance, cycle times, material usage, and process consistency.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the startup facility.

Process Control & Troubleshooting

• Monitor and optimize injection molding parameters, including temperature, pressure, speed, cooling time, and cycle time.
• Troubleshoot molding defects such as short shots, flash, sink marks, warpage, burn marks, and weld lines.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, reduce scrap, and maintain consistent product quality.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Tooling teams to resolve equipment, robotic, hydraulic, electrical, and mold-related issues.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure proper handling, drying, blending, and traceability of thermoplastic materials and regrind.
• Maintain compliance with established quality standards and production specifications.
• Enforce workplace safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and 5S standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, and waste reduction.
• Assist with employee training, process documentation, and operational improvements as production expands.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in injection molding operations, including hands-on process troubleshooting and mold changes.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or demonstrated production leadership experience preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of injection molding machines, molds, robotics, and auxiliary equipment.
• Proven ability to identify and correct molding defects, optimize cycle times, and improve process efficiency.
• Working knowledge of thermoplastic materials, resin handling, and material controls.
• Experience supporting production startups, equipment installations, or new manufacturing processes preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Startup manufacturing facility establishing production operations and processes.
• Facility will operate first and second shifts, Monday through Friday.
• Position requires onsite presence and flexibility to support production needs across shifts.
• Hands-on manufacturing environment requiring regular interaction with production equipment, personnel, and cross-functional teams.