Plastics Toolroom Engineer

Location: Freeport, NY

Industry: Plastics & Packaging Manufacturing

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level

Employment Type: Full-time | On-site

Join a well-established, innovation-driven manufacturer specializing in precision-molded plastic components for high-end consumer products. With a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and market-leading speed to market, this organization is seeking a hands-on Plastics Toolroom Engineer to maintain, repair, and enhance injection mold tooling across a 24/5 production facility.

This is a vital, high-impact role within a tight-knit tooling team responsible for enabling the seamless operation of over a dozen molding machines. The incoming engineer will ensure operational efficiency, quality output, and long-term tool life - all while helping mentor and direct an assistant-level technician.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance of injection mold tooling, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
• Diagnose, disassemble, inspect, and repair molds, including insert, core, and cavity changes.
• Operate standard toolroom machinery such as mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses for part and fixture fabrication.
• Read and interpret technical blueprints and drawings to fabricate components and gauge parts to spec.
• Troubleshoot tool-related issues arising on the production floor, collaborating closely with engineering and operations.
• Polish molds and ensure proper venting, thermocouple replacement, and seal integrity.
• Maintain inventory of toolroom supplies and equipment, tracking and replenishing as needed.
• Prioritize maintenance and project work based on production and engineering demands.
• Document and log tooling history and repair actions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-conscious work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience maintaining injection molding tools. Will consider blow molding, extrusion, and other plastics processes. 
• Strong proficiency in toolroom equipment operation (e.g., Bridgeport mills, surface grinders, drill presses).
• Familiarity with various tooling systems including hot runners, hydraulic core pulls, 3-plate, and 2-shot molds.
• Ability to read technical drawings and manufacture or repair gauges, fixtures, and mold components.
• Working knowledge of mold polishing techniques and mold PM best practices.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams.

Preferred but Not Required

• Background with automation fixture builds or support.
• Experience in blow molding or extrusion tooling (trainable crossover skills).
• Understanding of mold life extension strategies and predictive maintenance.
• CNC or EDM experience is a plus.

Why Apply?

• Work directly with leadership in a lean, fast-moving, and supportive team.
• Opportunity to take ownership of a high-impact role with strong visibility.
• Excellent stability - replacing a long-tenured employee approaching retirement.
• Compensation flexibility for top talent with strong mold/tooling expertise.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS