Setup Process Technician

Setup Process Technician

The Setup Process Technician serves as a key technical resource responsible for machine setups, mold changes, process optimization, troubleshooting, and equipment reliability within Blow Molding and Injection Molding operations. The role supports safe, efficient, and consistent production through effective startup activities, process control, root cause problem solving, continuous improvement initiatives, and collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams. The Setup Process Technician is expected to develop and maintain expertise in molding processes, tooling, equipment operation, and process stability to ensure the production of quality products delivered on time to customers.

Job duties and essential functions include:

• Perform mold changes, machine setups, job changeovers, and startup activities on blow molding and injection molding equipment.
• Set up and verify proper operation of molds, tooling, auxiliary equipment, robotic systems, cooling circuits, and secondary equipment.
• Establish, document, and maintain approved process parameters to support safe, efficient, and repeatable production.
• Complete startup verification, quality inspections, and process checks.
• Support production schedules by ensuring timely and effective changeovers and equipment readiness.
• Monitor and adjust processing parameters to maintain product quality, efficiency, and cycle time performance.
• Analyze processing conditions and machine performance to identify opportunities for productivity improvements and waste reduction.
• Evaluate current setup methods and processing practices and recommend improvements to improve reliability, quality, and throughput.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machine, process, tooling, automation, hydraulic, pneumatic, and auxiliary equipment issues.
• Perform preventive maintenance activities as assigned.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SMED, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce changeover times while maintaining safety, quality, and process stability.
• Serve as a technical resource for operators, production personnel, maintenance technicians, and quality personnel.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

Qualifications (knowledge, skills & abilities) include:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Advanced technical certification, apprenticeship, or formal manufacturing education preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of machine setup, processing, maintenance, or technical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with Blow Molding, Injection Molding, tooling, robotics, and auxiliary equipment preferred.
• Strong understanding of process troubleshooting, process optimization, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge of centerlining, OEE, SMED, startup loss reduction, and data-driven process control preferred.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, process sheets, wiring diagrams, customer specifications, and technical documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing software systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Molder Certification or Master Molder Certification preferred.
• Must maintain flexibility in work hours to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Must possess personal tools and toolbox appropriate for the position.

Physical requirements include:

• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time and lift/carry up to 30 to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to use fingers, hands, and arms for regular tasks.
• Must be able to climb steps, have a good hand-eye coordination, and bend/squat.
• Must be able to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment.
• Must be able to operate effectively in temperatures ranging from 60 to 110
  
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• Must be capable of visually detecting defects, depth, colors, variances, and see objects.