Molding Process Technician - Apprentice

Job Duties

• Assist experienced process technicians with the setup, adjustment, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding machines.
• Learn to establish and maintain proper molding conditions in accordance with approved process sheets and customer quality requirements.
• Assist with mold changes, including mold installation and removal, under appropriate supervision and after completing required training.
• Learn to identify mold components and understand basic mold functions, including core logic, ejector systems, and related tooling components.
• Develop an understanding of auxiliary equipment used in the molding process, including dryers, hoppers, color mixers, loaders, Thermarator’s, circulators, grinders, hot runner controllers, robots, and sprue pickers.
• Assist with the setup and operation of auxiliary equipment, automation, assembly equipment, and robotic systems as trained and authorized.
• Learn to connect and verify water, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical connections associated with molds and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor production processes and inspect in-process parts to verify conformity with established quality standards.
• Learn to recognize and troubleshoot common molding defects, including flash, short shots, and other process-related quality issues.
• Assist with process troubleshooting and learn to identify potential root causes of equipment, tooling, and quality problems.
• Learn to follow production schedules, prioritize assigned work, and support timely production startups and mold changes.
• Assist with material and color changes as required.
• Provide mechanical and production support to molding operators and assist Resin Handlers with material-related activities as needed.
• Learn to complete production startup procedures, first-piece submissions, and required quality approvals before production continues, in accordance with established procedures.
• Learn to access and verify job information, bills of material, quality alerts, deviations, and production records.
• Document process changes, shift activities, inspections, and other required information accurately and promptly, including applicable entries in IQMS or other company systems.
• Assist with routine machine and tooling preventative maintenance, total productive maintenance (TPM) activities, and simple tool maintenance as trained.
• Communicate equipment breakdowns and maintenance concerns to the appropriate personnel and report tooling issues to the supervisor or process engineering team.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, environmental requirements, and established work instructions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Recognize and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, and potential quality concerns.
• Participate in required apprenticeship coursework, practical training, and skills assessments.
• Identify opportunities to improve process capability, product quality, production yields, productivity, and equipment reliability as knowledge and experience develop.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, injection molding, or industrial process technology.
• Good mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical processes and equipment operation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Basic math skills and the ability to learn to interpret process sheets, production records, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products.
• Dependability, accountability, flexibility, and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks or as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, mold setup, and injection molding processes.
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and adapt to changing production needs.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete required production and quality documentation.
• Commitment to following company safety procedures, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
• Willingness to attend related classes at a local collage of Ventra’s choosing

Working Conditions

• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial machinery, production equipment, noise, heat, and other manufacturing-related hazards.
• Ability to work various shifts and overtime as required by manufacturing needs.
• Ability to perform physical activities associated with manufacturing, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, if this accurately reflects the essential job functions.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, safety glasses, and other equipment as required by the task and facility.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent.  Ability to read, write and speak English effectively.
• Possess basic mathematical skills
• Possess basic office skills such as Excel, Microsoft Word and AS400 systems.
• Safety and environmental training and experience
• Previous experience in injection molding department or at least manufacturing experience.
• Must be able to work afternoons or night shift
• Ability to work effectively alone and prioritize.
• Must be a highly motivated, service and team-oriented individual with an attention to detail.
• Troubleshooting ability is required.
• Strong decision making and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated good internal customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.