Technical Manager

Technical Manager
Molding Products
South Bend, IN

What is Molding Products:

Molding Products is a division of IP Corporation and a leading manufacturer of high-performance thermoset molding compounds used across transportation, construction, industrial, and consumer applications. With a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and safety, our teams work collaboratively to support customers across North America with reliable materials, strong technical support, and unmatched manufacturing expertise.

What You’ll Do as Technical Manager:

The Technical Manager is responsible for leading product formulation, technical development, and process improvement for our molding compound product lines. This role partners cross-functionally with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, R&D, Sales, and customers to ensure products meet performance expectations, manufacturing requirements, and market needs. The Technical Manager will serve as the internal subject-matter expert on material properties, processing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

What You Can Expect to Do in This Role:

• Lead development, testing, modification, and optimization of thermoset molding compounds.
• Provide hands-on technical support to production teams for process troubleshooting and efficiency improvement.
• Collaborate with Sales and customers to understand product requirements and translate those needs into formulation and processing solutions.
• Manage and execute plant trials, scale-ups, and new product introductions from lab to full-scale manufacturing.
• Support Quality to address non-conformances, material deviations, root-cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Maintain documentation on formulations, test data, specifications, processing parameters, and product performance.
• Provide training and guidance to plant personnel on material behavior, safe handling, testing procedures, and best manufacturing practices.
• Monitor competitive products, industry trends, and technology developments to ensure product positioning and innovation.
• Drive continuous improvement across product performance, cost efficiency, quality, and cycle time.

What We Are Looking For in a Technical Manager:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or related field is preferred, not required.
• Prior experience in thermoset molding compounds, composites, resins, or polymer manufacturing is preferred, not required.
• Strong understanding of material formulation, compounding processes, and performance testing.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept to implementation.
• Experience supporting both laboratory development and plant-floor troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams (Operations, Sales, R&D, etc.).
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality standards.

Why Molding Products?

• Positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
• Competitive benefits, including dental, vision, generous PTO, and 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunity to influence product direction and innovation across a key manufacturing business.
• Be part of a values-driven organization that invests in its people and continuous improvement.

Pay Transparency Range:
$119,664.00 - $147,610.00

Molding Products (IP Corporation) is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity in the workplace. If you are a driven technical leader with experience in molding compounds or polymer manufacturing, we encourage you to apply and join our team!