NPI Mold Design Engineer in Irvine, California at ITT Cannon, LLC

The NPI Mold Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing new injection molds, tooling, and manufacturing processes that support the launch of new Mil/Aero interconnect products at ITT Cannon. This role ensures that connector components—particularly highprecision molded insulators, inserts, seals, and other engineered polymer parts—are tooled and manufactured to meet rigorous industry standards (MILDTL, AS9100) and customer requirements.

The engineer plays a key role in crossfunctional NPI teams and supports concept development, DFM/DFA, mold flow simulation, tooling validation, and production readiness activities.

Mold & Tooling Design

• Design highprecision injection molds (single- and multicavity) for thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomer components used in Mil/Aero connector products.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, BOMs, and specification packages using CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX preferred).
• Conduct DFM/DFA analysis to ensure mold designs support manufacturability, dimensional accuracy, and longterm tooling reliability.
• Perform mold flow analysis using Moldflow, Sigmasoft, or equivalent software to assess gate location, fill patterns, warp, cooling, venting, and material behavior.
• Collaborate with internal tooling shops and external toolmakers to refine designs and ensure tooling feasibility.

New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering

• Participate in gate reviews, project planning, and crossfunctional NPI engineering meetings.
• Translate product design intent into robust tooling concepts and manufacturing solutions.
• Define material selections, molding parameters, and processing requirements for new connector components.
• Support prototyping, sample builds, and EVT/DVT/PVT phases.
• Drive part qualification activities including FAI, PPAP, capability studies, and mold validation protocols.

Manufacturing Support

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Production teams to troubleshoot tooling, part quality, and molding issues.
• Optimize cycle times, cooling performance, and mold longevity through design improvements.
• Support molding trials, including tool tuning, vent adjustments, gating changes, and dimensional improvements.
• Provide training and technical support to mold technicians and operators during rampup and SOP transitions.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure mold and part designs align with Mil/Aero standards (MILDTL, AS9100) and ITT Cannon design guidelines.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for tooling or part defects.
• Maintain accurate documentation, design records, and revision histories in accordance with quality system requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in injection mold design, preferably in precision components or connector industry.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX).
• Experience with mold flow simulation tools.
• Solid understanding of mold design principles: gating, venting, cooling, shrinkage, tolerancing, and material flow.
• Handson experience with hightemperature engineering resins (PEEK, PPS, LCP), thermosets, or elastomers.
• Familiarity with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, and precision tooling tolerances.
• Experience in NPI processes, product validation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Travel periodically, up to 20%

Preferred:

• Prior experience supporting Mil/Aero, Defense, or highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of MILDTL connector families (38999, 26482, 5015, etc.).
• Experience with AS9100 environments and FAI/PPAP documentation.
• Understanding of highperformance tooling steels, coatings, and mold maintenance practices.
• Experience managing external tool shops or offshore tooling vendors.
• Strong problemsolving skills using 8D, DMAIC, or similar methodologies.

Key Competencies

• Technical design expertise
• Strong attention to detail
• Crossfunctional communication
• Project management & organization
• Root-cause analysis & troubleshooting
• Ability to work independently and in team settings
• Continuous improvement mindset