Molding Process Technician III

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Now Hiring: Molding Process Technician III DIRECT HIRE

Join our team in Nicholasville, a city known for its vibrant community and proximity to natural attractions. We are seeking a skilled Process Technician III to play a crucial role in our injection molding and plating operations.

Job Summary

The Process Technician III is a senior-level, hands-on technical position responsible for advanced process setup, troubleshooting, optimization, and stabilization of injection molding and plating processes. This role ensures consistent part quality, reduces scrap and downtime, and applies scientific process control principles. The Process Technician III serves as the technical escalation point on shift, mentors lower-level technicians, and supports continuous improvement, launches, and regulatory compliance.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Advanced Process Setup & Control
  • Perform advanced setup, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding and/or plating processes.
  • Establish and adjust process parameters to ensure stable, repeatable production within quality and cycle time targets.
  • Follow first-piece approval and process verification procedures.
  • Maintain control of process monitoring sheets, change logs, deviations, and setup documentation.
  • Apply scientific molding principles to optimize cycle time, quality, and consistency.
• Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
  • Troubleshoot complex molding defects including short shots, burns, flash, cracks, dimensional variation, and cosmetic issues.
  • Analyze process data and trends to proactively address instability.
  • Serve as first escalation for processing issues before engineering involvement.
  • Lead root-cause analysis and implement countermeasures in coordination with Engineering and Quality.
  • Respond to all quality calls and document corrective actions.
• Equipment, Tooling & Automation Support
  • Assist and perform mold changeovers using overhead cranes or hoists.
  • Monitor mold condition and coordinate maintenance needs with Tooling and Maintenance.
  • Support operation and troubleshooting of robots, EOAT, thermolators, grinders, pickers, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Verify machines, robots, and equipment are operating at designed cycle rates.
  • Support startup and validation of new molds, processes, and equipment.
• Material & Chemistry Management
  • Ensure correct material selection, handling, preparation, and traceability.
  • Maintain resin setup for molding processes including regrind control.
  • For Injection molding operations:
    • Ensure material moisture analysis is completed before each startup and documented.
    • Ensure material COA passes per the control plan and recorded before each start-up.
  • For plating operations:
    • Perform chemistry analysis and enter results into TruChem systems.
    • Run and interpret Hull Cell panels; make chemical additions per WI.
    • Monitor temperatures, recovery equipment, wastewater treatment, and discharge compliance.
  • Troubleshoot material-related process issues.
• Quality, Documentation & Compliance
  • Complete all process checks, shift reports, and documentation accurately and on time.
  • Support IATF 16949 / TS 16949 quality system requirements.
  • Maintain compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure accurate communication during shift handoffs.
  • Complete machine and tool work orders when failures occur on each equipment.
  • Support audits and internal reviews.
• Training, Leadership & Continuous Improvement
  • Mentor and train Process Technicians I & II and production associates.
  • Assist supervisors in identifying training needs.
  • Participate in Kaizen, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, cost savings, and product quality.
  • Maintain 5S standards in personal and shared work areas.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support operational and business objectives.

Skill and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; technical or process training strongly preferred.
• 5 years of experience in injection molding and/or plating process operations.
• Advanced knowledge of:
  • Injection molding processes and scientific molding principles.
  • Mold setup and processing controls.
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics.
  • Automation, robotics, and EOAT.
• Experience with valve gate systems and hot runner technology preferred.
• Working knowledge of thermoplastic materials including ABS, PC/ABS, GTX.
• Successful completion of Paulson, RJG, or equivalent molding courses strongly preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical tasks without constant supervision.
• Strong communication skills across production, engineering, and quality teams.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments often exceeding 100°F.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and push/pull up to 250 pounds.
• Ability to wear respirators and required PPE for extended periods.
• Moderate to heavy physical exertion required.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environments including molding presses and plating lines.
• Exposure to loud noise, vibration, airborne particles, fumes, chemicals, wet or humid conditions, and electrical systems.
• High-pace production environment requiring immediate response to issues.
• Required use of PPE at all times.
• Typical schedule is 8–10 hours per day with overtime, off-shift, or weekend coverage as needed.

Authority

• Authority to adjust process parameters within approved limits.
• Authority to stop production due to process instability, quality risk, or safety concerns.
• Authority to direct lower-level technicians during technical events.
• Authority to escalate unresolved issues to Engineering, Maintenance, or Management.
• Authority to recommend process improvements, tooling changes, and corrective actions.
• Authority to support audits, quality containment, and corrective actions.