Tooling & Equipment Development Manager - Downers Grove, IL

In this role you will provide technical leadership and drive tooling procurement strategy, process optimization, injection/compression molding advancements, and new product introductions, helping improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and cost performance across North American operations. The position manages the Pilot Laboratory and Machine Shop, oversees prototyping and process validation activities, and ensures that new tools, products, and processes are fully developed, validated, and proven prior to release to manufacturing operations

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary: $130,000 - $150,000 based on education and experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company paid life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Voluntary benefits: critical illness, legal plans, pet insurance, identity protection and more
• 401k with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Tuition reimbursement & career advancement opportunities
• Strong culture with employee engagement events, food trucks and team activities

What you will do:

• Provide technical leadership of tooling and process engineering initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Lead tooling-related projects, including plant start-up, product launches and continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee tool design, vendor selection and tooling procurement both domestic and international suppliers
• Drive process development, validation and prototyping for new product technologies
• Establish and maintain tool design standards and engineering documentation
• Identify and develop new tooling vendors to reduce cost and improve product quality
• Manage Pilot Laboratory and Machine Shop operations, ensuring readiness for production scale-up
• Lead and mentor a team of engineering professional - approximately 4 team members
• Ensure all tooling, process and products are fully validated and production-ready

What you'll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering or mechanical engineering or related field
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in high-cavitations molding for high volume, precision components
• Expertise in injection molding or compression molding - closures preferred
• Strong background in advanced manufacturing, automation and machine controls
• Knowledge of polymer science and materials engineering
• Experience with tooling design, vendor management and process optimization
• Ability to travel 25% to support manufacturing sites and visit vender for first article testing and approvals

Take the next step in your career as a Tooling & Equipment Development Manager in the Chicago area. Join a company where you can lead manufacturing innovation, automation, and engineering excellence.

👉 Apply now and grow your career with Silgan Closures

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.