Careers

Our client is a highly reputable manufacturer of automotive components made through injection molding. They currently have an opening for a Lead Tooling Specialist in Saline, MI.

The main responsibility of this role is to supervise and oversee all design, installation, repair, modification, and maintenance activities relating to molding tools in a plastic injection molding environment, as instructed by the Tooling Manager. Additionally, this position will involve training and developing Toolmakers.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To be successful in this role, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

ü Adherence to all safety, health, and environmental procedures, policies, and practices, including the use of personal protective equipment and appropriate attire.

ü Compliance with all QMS / EMS / ISO procedures and work instructions relevant to the position.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Supervising and training Toolmakers/Apprentices, assigning tasks, and providing feedback.

2. Assigning work and prioritizing tasks for Toolmakers.

3. Collaborating with Material Planners to schedule preventative maintenance and repairs for tools.

4. Performing comprehensive tear downs and reassemblies of molds, including cleaning, inspection, part replacements, and greasing.

5. Advanced welding of parting lines and spotting for flash repair without supervision or assistance.

6. Maintenance of manifolds, hot runners, and valve gates, including replacing worn-out parts and rewiring.

7. Independent use of machinery equipment such as lathe mill, boring mill, and surface grinder for tool repairs.

8. Troubleshooting manifold issues.

9. Performing press calls to inspect and diagnose tool problems, taking appropriate actions for repair or further work in the tool room.

10. Performing engineering changes or repairs using TIG welding and pneumatic tools.

11. Managing inventory of common replacement items for tooling.

12. Troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic problems on tools and determining appropriate solutions.

13. Precisely adjusting timing of lifters, manifolds, and other details that require precise fitting.

14. Maintaining daily log book and tooling request forms.

15. Logging receipts or shipment of mold tooling on the Mold Tool Status shared file.

16. Active participation in continuous improvement process.

17. Completion of any other tasks as required for smooth workflow within the company.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

§ Ability to foster a team-oriented working environment that promotes individual differences and personal growth.

§ Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, safety rules, policies, procedure manuals, and operating instructions.

§ Basic mathematical abilities for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

§ Basic computer skills, including knowledge of PC systems.

§ Proficiency in advanced technology software (Mattec, Web-Req Systems, and tool repair logging systems).

§ Effective communication skills.

§ Advanced problem-solving abilities in numerical and mechanical aspects.

§ Proficiency in using various types of tools and equipment (manual, electric, pneumatic, etc.).

§ Advanced mechanical skills, including maintenance tools, techniques, and Lock Out/Tag Out processes.

§ Proper documentation skills for work performed.

§ Ability to use precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers.

§ Ability to work both independently and supervise others.

PREFERRED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Note: Possession of a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required for all new hires in all positions.

§ 4-year technical degree, Journey Worker Certification, or at least 15 years of equivalent job-related experience.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

§ Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated competency in tooling.

§ Proven experience in leading and mentoring toolmakers, preferably in a Tier 1 or 2 automotive parts manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

§ Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time regularly.

§ Ability to regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

§ Ability to work inside various-sized injection molding presses.

§ Exposure to factors including vibration, repetitive motion, bending, lifting, twisting, crouching, reaching, pushing and/or pulling, and high temperatures.

§ Frequent use of and work near powered motor vehicles, power tools, and automated assembly fixtures.