Director – Injection Molding Applications

Job Summary:

Milacron is seeking a skilled and driven Director, Injection Molding Applications to lead the development, optimization, and automation of injection molding processes in Batavia, OH. This position plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective production through process innovation, automation integration, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of injection molding with hands-on experience in manufacturing automation, and strong communication skills to support customer interactions.

Relocation assistance may be available for those that reside outside of the Greater Cincinnati area.

Essential/Key Functions:

Injection Molding Process Development & Optimization

• Lead the development and refinement of robust injection molding processes for new and existing products.

• Optimize molding parameters for cycle time, part quality, and material efficiency.

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for molding-related issues (e.g., flash, sinks, warping, short shots).

• · Collaborate with design, tooling, and quality teams to ensure mold/tooling designs are optimized for manufacturability.

Automation Strategy & Implementation:

• Oversee the design, selection, and implementation of automation systems including robots (e.g., 3-axis, 6-axis), end-of-arm tooling, vision inspection systems, conveyors, and part handling.

• Develop strategies to improve labor efficiency and reduce cycle time through automation.

• Partner with automation vendors, integrators, and internal teams to ensure systems are safely and successfully integrated.

Applications Engineering & Technical Support:

• Serve as a subject matter expert for injection molding across all sites and product lines.

• Support product development teams with material selection, mold design reviews, and DOE testing.

• Lead technical evaluations for new materials, mold trials, and molding equipment.

Project & Team Leadership:

• Manage engineering and technician teams responsible for molding process development and automation.

• Lead capital projects for new equipment, automation cells, and process improvements.

• Develop and maintain standard work instructions, setup sheets, troubleshooting guides, and training materials.

• Train and upskill team members on technical, commercial and soft skills

• Partner closely with Commercial teams to proactively look-ahead to future technologies and customer demands, capture VOC and collaborate with Milacron’s Engineering team to deliver them to market in an expediated manner

Minimum (Required) Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree a plus.

• 10+ years of hands-on injection molding experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management capacity.

• Deep knowledge of injection molding equipment, tooling, hot runner systems, and auxiliaries (dryers, chillers, mold temperature controllers).

• Proven experience with automation systems and robotics integration in injection molding environments.

• Strong analytical skills with experience in DOE, SPC, and troubleshooting.

• Working knowledge of scientific molding principles (RJG, Decoupled Molding).

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.

• Passion for learning, problem solving, and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated skills to coach for performance, with excellent communication skills.

Preferred Experience:

• RJG Master Molder I or II certification.

• Experience with automation controls (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, vision systems).

• Knowledge of simulation tools like Moldflow.

• Familiarity with cleanroom or medical molding environments.

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Who we are:

Milacron is a global leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of highly engineered and customized systems within the $27 billion plastic technology and processing industry. We are the only global company with a full-line product portfolio that includes hot runner systems, injection molding, extrusion equipment. We maintain strong market positions across these products, as well as leading positions in process control systems, mold bases and components, maintenance, repair and operating (“MRO”) supplies for plastic processing equipment. Our strategy is to deliver highly customized equipment, components and service to our customers throughout the lifecycle of their plastic processing technology systems.

EEO: The policy of Milacron is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.  We are committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and offer opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at [email protected]. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.