PLASTICS PROCESS ENGINEER MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Plastics Process Engineering Manager

Reports To: Operations Manager

Overview:

The Plastics Process Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the process engineering function and directly supervising the Plastics Molding Engineer and Mold Technicians in the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of blow-molding manufacturing processes.

This role ensures efficient production, high product quality, cost reduction, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. The manager collaborates closely with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, tooling, and product development teams to support new product launches and improve existing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and develop the process engineering team, including the Plastics Molding Engineer and Mold Technicians.
• Develop, implement, document, and optimize manufacturing processes for plastic injection molding, extrusion blow molding, thermoforming, or other plastic processing technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, scrap reduction, and cycle time improvements.
• Develop documentation processes to capture process learning.
• Support new product introductions by developing robust manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and implement corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process specifications.
• Collaborate with blow mold technicians to improve mold and tool performance.
• Develop process validation protocols and oversee process qualification activities.
• Manage molding equipment upgrades, and capital investments.
• Work closely with maintenance to improve equipment reliability and preventive maintenance strategies.
• Manage and develop the department’s Plastics Molding Engineer and molding technicians to ensure the department skill base continues to grow.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Plastics, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in plastics manufacturing.
• Demonstrated engineering leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, and developing engineers and technical manufacturing employees.
• Strong knowledge of plastic processing technologies, including blow molding and injection molding.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

• Creative and innovated problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and communication abilities.
• Self starter and able to work independently.
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.

Compensation & Benefits:

The Fountainhead Group offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off.

Company Profile:

The Fountainhead Group is a family-owned and operated company, dedicated to the success and longevity of our business, our employees, and our community. For more than 130 years, FGI has been creating, innovating, and manufacturing liquid sprayer products for the world's top brands and retailers. From the first compressed air sprayer in 1888, we have dedicated ourselves to creating products that make our customers’ lives easier, expanding our offering to include the highest quality sprayer technology for both home and professional use.

Across three manufacturing and distribution centers in Central New York, we’re committed to the betterment of our FGI Family of employees and our local community, supporting more than 350 local nonprofits through our robust philanthropy and volunteer programs to ensure the success of our community for generations to come.

The Fountainhead Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer (AAE/EEO) and ranked one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State by the Society for Human Resource Management. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, refugee or disability status. With over 12 languages spoken at FGI, regardless of language ability, education, or training, there is a place for you within the FGI Family!