Experience Required
3
Expected Start Date
11/02/2026
Compensation
$
Hours Per Week
40
Number Of Positions
1
Job Description
Tooling Engineer
Location: Fairdale, Louisville, KY 40118, US
Department: Process & Equipment
Reports to: Process & Equipment Manager
Position Type: Full-time
Job Summary
Responsible for DFM (Design for Manufacturing) reviews for new injection and blow molding projects, overseeing mold trials and acceptance, managing troubleshooting and preventive maintenance for production molds, and leading mold modifications and corrective actions. Acts as the primary point of contact for internal and external teams, ensures the completion of APQP/PPAP-related technical documentation for tooling, and guarantees stable production output during both trial and mass production phases.
Core Responsibilities:
- New Project Development: Conduct DFM reviews for injection and blow-molded parts; evaluate mold designs and blueprints; oversee T0–T2 mold trials and pilot production; manage mold acceptance and handover; and support APQP/PPAP and CBR (Customer Build Readiness) tooling releases.
- Production Mold Operations & Maintenance: Troubleshoot on-site mold issues; perform preventive maintenance; manage spare parts inventory and mold records; analyze defects to implement mold improvements; and minimize production downtime while improving yield rates.
- Engineering Change Management: Evaluate ECR/ECO (Engineering Change Request/Order) proposals for mold modifications; oversee the validation of these changes; and update mold blueprints and technical documentation.
- Problem Solving & Quality Systems: Lead 8D corrective action processes for mold-related issues; maintain comprehensive records of mold trials, repairs, and maintenance; and support customer audits.
- Internal & External Coordination: Collaborate with production, quality, and toolroom teams, as well as external mold suppliers; address technical requirements related to tooling for Ford (customer).
- Prototype Tooling Management: Manage prototype molds, distinguish between prototype and production tooling, and ensure the successful execution of small-batch trial production.
Job Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Mold Design, Polymer Materials, or a related field.
- Experience: 3+ years of experience as an injection/blow molding engineer in the automotive industry. Experience with automotive interior components is preferred; prior experience working with Ford or other North American OEMs (or their Tier 1 suppliers) is a plus.
- Proficient in injection and blow molding tool structures; capable of independently conducting DFM (Design for Manufacturing) reviews, interpreting 2D/3D mold drawings, and leading T0–T2 mold trials, defect analysis, and subsequent mold modifications.
- Well-versed in automotive quality systems (APQP, PPAP, FMEA); able to produce mold trial reports and 8D corrective action reports.
- Experienced in preventive mold maintenance, troubleshooting, and spare parts management; capable of resolving mold-related issues during mass production.
- Competencies: Strong execution skills; ability to handle a high-intensity work pace and provide 24/7 emergency response.
- Knowledge of common interior materials (e.g., PP, TPO); willingness to work overtime for on-site prototyping and mold trials.
Additional Information
- May require shift work or being on-call to support urgent production maintenance needs.
- The work environment involves exposure to oil, noise, and working at heights; full PPE (safety shoes, protective eyewear, etc.) must be worn.
- Upon joining, the candidate will receive specialized training on client-specific equipment standards (e.g., Toyota’s TPM or GM’s GMS).
Job Type
Full time
Industry
Manufacturing
Place of Work
On-site
Requisition ID
96923
Application Email
yadira.gomez@xinquanauto.com