Associate Manager, Tooling and Process Engineering

Associate Manager, Tooling and Process EngineeringDate: May 15, 2026Location: Auburn, AL, US, 36832Company: Aptar GroupKey ResponsibilitiesTooling Leadership & Mold ManagementOwn the complete lifecycle of injection molds, including design reviews, sourcing, validation, launch, preventive maintenance, and refurbishmentEstablish and maintain mold PM standards, spare parts strategies, and tooling documentationPartner with tool shops and mold suppliers to ensure quality, timing, and cost targets are metLead root cause analysis and corrective actions for mold-related downtime, quality issues, or performance gapsApprove mold modifications and engineering changes to improve reliability, cycle time, and part qualityProcess Engineering & OptimizationDevelop, standardize, and approve robust injection molding processes (Scientific / Decoupled Molding preferred)Lead process development for new product launches including DOE, mold trials, and validationDrive continuous improvement initiatives for scrap reduction, cycle-time optimization, and process stabilityEnsure documented process standards and setup sheets are controlled and followedServe as escalation point for complex molding and processing issuesTeam Leadership & DevelopmentDirectly manage and mentor Tooling Technicians, Process Technicians, and Process EngineersSet performance expectations, conduct reviews, and create skill development plansBuild bench strength through training, cross-functional exposure, and succession planningPromote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvementCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Quality, Maintenance, Production, and Supply Chain to resolve technical issuesSupport audits, customer visits, and technical reviews as the senior molding expertProvide technical input to capital projects, automation, and equipment selectionSupport ISO, regulatory, and customer-specific compliance activitiesMetrics & AccountabilityImprove mold uptime, scrap rates, and process capability (Cp/Cpk)Reduce startup, changeover, and launch inefficienciesEnsure new tools and processes meet performance and delivery expectationsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience)10+ years of injection molding experience including tooling and process engineering5+ years of leadership or supervisory experienceExpert knowledge of mold design, thermoplastics processing, and scientific molding principlesStrong problem-solving and root cause analysis skillsPreferred QualificationsRJG Master Molder certification or equivalentExperience with automated or high-cavitation molding environmentsLean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certificationERP or MES experience related to tooling and process controlPhysical & Work Environment Requirements Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, and moving equipment. Occasional travel to tool shops, suppliers, or customers. Off-shift support may be required