EPS Connects LLC · 9 hours ago
Tooling Manager
Camarillo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$140K/yr - $160K/yr
8+ years expEPS Connects LLC is seeking a Tooling Manager who will lead innovation in advanced manufacturing by overseeing the entire lifecycle of high-performance tools and molds. The role involves managing a team and collaborating with various departments to enhance tooling capabilities and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality are met.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
Eric Sandberg
Responsibilities
Own the cradle-to-grave lifecycle of tools and molds—from conceptual design through qualification, maintenance, and optimization
Implement 5S standards and build a structured, efficient system to catalog and track all molds and tooling assets
Ensure equipment calibration, preventative maintenance, and safety standards are rigorously upheld in the tool room
Partner with cross-functional teams to prioritize tooling requests and manage a shared pipeline of new tools, fixtures, and mold improvements
Provide accurate cost and timing estimates, support capital requests, and oversee both internal and external tooling projects
Lead tool and mold design reviews using modern CAD/CAM tools, including DFM analysis and steel adjustments
Drive mold builds and qualifications using IQ/OQ/PQ, PPAP methodology, and structured validation processes
Troubleshoot tool-related issues and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase output, reliability, and cost efficiency
Build maintenance schedules that prevent downtime and extend tool life
Analyze tooling performance data and translate insights into actionable recommendations
Mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering craftsmanship, technical growth, and engineering excellence
Manage departmental budgets and introduce new technologies that reduce time-to-market and improve scalability
Stay aligned with industry trends, best practices, and emerging tooling innovations
Travel up to 20% to support tooling needs across other locations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or formal four-year toolmaking apprenticeship
5+ years engineering experience plus 8+ years working directly with injection mold tooling (design, build, troubleshooting)
3+ years managing teams in a manufacturing environment
Deep understanding of full tooling lifecycle management
Expertise with standards (DIN, ISO, ASTM, ASME, SAE) and strong shop math proficiency
Injection molding subject-matter expertise
Knowledge of materials including PP, PE, PC, PET/PETG, Nylon, Silicone, PEEK, Polysulfone, stainless steel, and more
Strong CAD/CAM and CNC programming skills
Analytical, detail-driven problem solver with excellent communication and leadership abilities
Ability to collaborate with international suppliers and manage projects across multiple time zones
Valid CA driver's license and proof of insurance
Preferred
ISO or GMP preferred
Bonus for silicone, over-molding, blow molding, stamping, extrusion, and multi-material tooling experience
Mold flow analysis highly preferred
Company
EPS Connects LLC
EPS Connects specializes in executive and technical search across injection molding, metalworking, and extrusion.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Eric Sandberg
President/Founder
Company data provided by crunchbase