Injection Molding Process Technician

Day-in-the-life

When your shift begins, you’ll walk the floor, check machine centers, and read the latest handoff notes. You’ll bring lines up smoothly, verify that every press is running to spec, and jump in fast if alarms, quality alerts, or material issues pop up. Throughout the day, you’ll swap out molds with precision, fine-tune processes for stability, and keep documentation clean and current—always with a target of zero defects.

What you’ll take ownership of

• Driving uptime and overall equipment effectiveness by monitoring processes, minimizing unplanned downtime, and dialing in efficiencies across all machine centers.
• Setting up, starting, stopping, and troubleshooting injection molding presses along with auxiliary systems.
• Executing mold changes end-to-end: install and align tooling, hook up utilities, and confirm mold protection and safety settings are correct.
• Capturing, controlling, and maintaining process parameters per Master Setup Sheets and approved specifications.
• Loading, confirming, and adjusting key variables—temperatures, pressures, transfer positions, cycle times, and material drying conditions.
• Watching production in real time and making adjustments to sustain quality and keep machines running at peak performance.
• Responding quickly to quality concerns, operator questions, machine alarms, and other process disruptions.
• Diagnosing defects such as short shots, flash, burns, splay, and warpage; identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Cutting scrap and nonconforming output through process improvements, corrective actions, and coordination of mold maintenance.
• Performing first-piece and in-process checks with calipers, gauges, and other metrology tools.
• Contributing to quality targets, including reductions in both external and internal PPM.
• Verifying all safety features—interlocks, switches, drop bars, guarding—are functional before and during production.
• Following safety practices without compromise: PPE, OSHA, LOTO, hazardous materials handling, and safe lifting.
• Safely operating forklifts, pallet jacks, overhead cranes, and related material handling equipment when certified and authorized.
• Escalating equipment issues and partnering with maintenance to resolve them promptly.
• Confirming material identity, lot traceability, drying specs, and correct handling of virgin and regrind.
• Keeping documentation accurate and timely: setup sheets, process logs, downtime notes, scrap records, and ERP transactions.
• Participating in mold change and setup reduction activities to lift throughput, uptime, and OEE.
• Maintaining 5S standards and a clean, organized work area.
• Communicating process changes, quality notes, and shift updates to supervisors and the next crew.
• Coaching Process Technicians, Operators, and peers on standards, quality expectations, and safe work practices.
• Supporting continuous improvement across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Pitching in on other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Proven track record working effectively, efficiently, and safely in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and follow written work instructions.
• Must pass written and performance testing for hi-lo (forklift) operation.
• Forklift experience and strict adherence to all forklift safety rules.
• Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on plastic injection molding experience, including mold changeovers.
• Solid understanding of thermoplastics, mold setup, tooling safety, and processing.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, and technical documents.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Willing to work overtime as needed and flexible shifts, including nights and weekends.

Preferred

• 5+ years in plastics manufacturing performing similar responsibilities.
• Knowledge of IATF-aligned production and quality control practices.
• Experience training others.
• History of contributing to safety and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with scientific molding methods (e.g., RJG, Decoupled Molding).

Physical demands and work environment

• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, stoop, twist, climb, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods (8–12 hours).
• Bend forward and downward at the waist 45° or more; bend below the waist or to floor level.
• Work near hot molds, presses, cranes, industrial equipment, and within tight spaces.
• Use hands/fingers to grasp and manipulate parts and tools.
• Reach overhead and at/below shoulder height.
• Ascend/descend ramps and stairs.
• Hear and distinguish speech and other sounds (e.g., machine alarms); frequent work near machinery with moderate noise.
• Close vision (20 inches or less) and color differentiation.
• Hands-on duties comprise roughly 60–80% of the role, with the balance at a desk/computer.
• Facility temperatures can reach up to 90°F; must be comfortable in hot and cold conditions.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Remain stationary 50%–100% of the time as tasks require.
• Get on/off forklifts and standing lifts; access trailers, steps, ladders, etc.
• No aversion to heights.
• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, vibration, and potential electrical hazards, including high, precarious locations.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay based on skills and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits, including free medical/HSA coverage for employees earning under $75,000 annually who elect individual coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• No-cost weekly uniform service.
• Annual boot allowance for qualified safety toe footwear.
• Extensive hands-on exposure to varied molds and tooling challenges, fostering continuous learning.

Accessibility & compliance