Process Control Shift Lead

About the Organization SIMTEC is a leading, U.S.-based Extraordinary Solutions provider exclusively focused on the customized, serial production of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR), LSR over‑molded and 2‑Shot (LSR/Thermoplastic) solutions, and Multi‑Shot (LSR/Thermoplastic and Metal) injection molded components. As a technology driven company, since 2002, SIMTEC has been envisioning and manufacturing high precision, tight tolerance solutions for global innovative leaders in the automotive, life science, electronic, infant and personal care industries. SIMTEC Silicone Parts is ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO/TS 16949 certified, as well as cGMP compliant. The company is a proud member of the RICO GROUP. Position Summary To successfully perform this job, the individual must be able to perform each essential job responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Job descriptions represent a general outline of job responsibilities and qualifications. They are not intended to be comprehensive in nature. As business needs evolve, responsibilities may change accordingly. Essential Job Responsibilities Shift Coordination & Operational Leadership Coordinate daily production activities to ensure production schedules are achieved. Assign work priorities based on production requirements established by the Process Control Supervisor. Serve as the primary operational leader during periods without supervisor coverage. Monitor production flow and respond quickly to changing production priorities. Coordinate staffing assignments to maximize efficiency and productivity. Conduct effective shift handoff meetings and communicate production status to incoming personnel. Maintain shift communication logs and operational documentation. Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment. Technical Process Support Support machine start‑ups, shutdowns, process adjustments, and production changeovers. Assist Process Control Operators with troubleshooting molding process issues. Verify machine parameters remain within approved processing windows. Monitor production performance, process stability, and machine efficiency. Escalate significant process deviations to the Process Control Supervisor. Coordinate with Maintenance when equipment failures occur. Assist Engineering during validations, trials, and process improvement initiatives. Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement activities focused on reducing scrap, improving cycle times, and increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Quality Assurance Verify production complies with approved work instructions and quality standards. Assist with first‑piece approvals and process verification activities. Ensure SPC documentation and production records are completed accurately. Stop production when quality or safety concerns exist. Coordinate containment activities for suspect material. Support investigations involving process deviations and non‑conforming products. Ensure compliance with ISO, customer, cleanroom, and regulatory requirements. Safety & Compliance Promote compliance with all company safety policies and procedures. Perform routine safety observations throughout the shift. Ensure PPE requirements are consistently followed. Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards. Report safety concerns immediately. Assist during emergency situations until management arrives. Promote safe work practices and proactively identify potential hazards. Communication & Cross‑Functional Coordination Coordinate communication between Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Warehouse, and Logistics. Escalate operational issues requiring management attention. Maintain effective communication during shift changes. Prepare shift reports documenting production performance, downtime, quality issues, corrective actions, and significant events. Support implementation of management directives and communicate operational priorities to employees. Additional Job Responsibilities Assist in onboarding and training new Process Control Operators. Coach employees on standard work instructions and best processing practices. Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects. Recommend improvements to SOPs, work instructions, and production methods. Assist with inventory verification and material coordination when required. Perform other duties as assigned by the Process Control Supervisor or Head of Production. Decision‑Making Authority The Process Control Shift Lead is authorized to: Assign work within the shift. Coordinate production priorities established by supervision. Stop production due to quality or safety concerns. Request Maintenance support. Hold suspect material pending Quality review. Coordinate available resources to maximize production efficiency. Escalate operational issues requiring management involvement. Make routine operational decisions necessary to maintain production continuity. The Process Control Shift Lead is not authorized to: Hire, terminate, promote, or transfer employees. Conduct performance evaluations. Issue disciplinary or corrective actions. Approve vacations, PTO, or schedule changes. Approve overtime outside established company guidelines. Modify production schedules established by management. Change employee compensation. Modify approved process windows without authorization. Acting Supervisor Coverage During designated periods when the Process Control Supervisor is not onsite, the Process Control Shift Lead serves as the designated operational leader for the assigned production area. In this capacity, the Shift Lead is responsible for ensuring production continuity, maintaining process stability, supporting employees, coordinating resources, and serving as the primary point of contact for production, quality, maintenance, and safety matters. The Process Control Shift Lead is expected to make timely operational decisions within established procedures and to escalates issues outside their authority to the Process Control Supervisor, Head of Production, or other designated management personnel as appropriate. While acting as the shift’s operational leader, the Process Control Shift Lead does not assume formal supervisory responsibilities, including but not limited to: Hiring, terminating, promoting, or transferring employees. Conducting performance evaluations or compensation discussions. Issuing disciplinary or corrective actions. Approving vacation, leave requests, or schedule changes. Authorizing overtime outside established company guidelines. Modifying production schedules, staffing levels, or operational priorities established by management. Deviating from approved process parameters, quality standards, or company policies without proper authorization. The Process Control Shift Lead is expected to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate leadership by example, and maintain effective communication with management to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations during periods of limited supervisory coverage. Position Requirements Required Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field preferred. Minimum four (4) years of experience in injection molding manufacturing. Minimum three (3) years of experience with Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) processing preferred. Demonstrated expertise in injection molding process troubleshooting and process optimization. Previous experience as a Lead Operator, Senior Process Control Operator, Process Technician, or similar technical leadership role. Strong understanding of SPC, process control methodologies, manufacturing quality systems, and production reporting. Ability to make sound operational decisions in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MES systems. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Arburg injection molding machines and automation systems. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Experience working in ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and IATF 16949 certified manufacturing environments. Experience training and mentoring manufacturing personnel. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Forklift Certification. Working Conditions Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the production floor. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Frequent exposure to manufacturing equipment, production noise, elevated temperatures, and cleanroom environments. Must be willing to work assigned shifts, weekends, overtime, and holiday schedules as required. Must be available to provide operational leadership during periods when supervisory coverage is unavailable. EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Witt/Kieffer