Mold Technician

Mold Technician – 2nd Shift

The Mold Technician is a hands-on technical role responsible for performing molding machine setups, start-ups, operation, and shut-downs on 2nd shift. This position focuses on mold changes, lockout/tagout procedures, mold setting, material handling, and basic troubleshooting to ensure that molding machines, molds, and related equipment operate safely, efficiently, and reliably in a high-volume plastic injection molding environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start up, operate, and shut down injection molding machines on 2nd shift according to established procedures and production requirements.
• Perform mold changes and mold setups, including removing and installing molds, securing them properly, and verifying correct alignment and function.
• Execute lockout/tagout procedures to ensure safe machine and mold changeovers and maintenance activities.
• Handle and stage materials required for molding operations, including loading materials into machines and ensuring proper material flow.
• Monitor machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment during operation to confirm proper function, part quality, and adherence to process parameters.
• Troubleshoot basic molding and mechanical issues to minimize downtime and maintain consistent production output.
• Assist with maintenance-related tasks such as minor adjustments, basic mechanical repairs, and mold setup corrections as needed.
• Use an overhead crane safely to move, position, and secure molds and tooling according to safety and operational guidelines.
• Enter and revise molding press programming as needed, ensuring accuracy and adherence to production specifications.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment, safe lifting techniques, and awareness of working around magnetic fields.
• Complete Mold Technician Level 1 training within 7 days of starting, Level 2 training within 90 days, and Level 3 training within 180 days, demonstrating progression in skills and knowledge.
• Participate in continuous improvement and kaizen initiatives to support a clean, organized, and efficient molding area.
• Collaborate with team members, production, and maintenance personnel to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Maintain an organized work area, including proper storage of tools, equipment, and materials to support 5S and continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of injection molding experience in a production environment.
• At least 1 year of mold setting and material handling experience in a plastic injection molding setting.
• At least 1 year of overhead crane experience for moving and positioning molds and tooling.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience in machine operation, machine setup, and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Ability to perform mold setup, mold changes, and tooling adjustments safely and accurately.
• Capability to enter and revise molding press programming with adequate visual acuity.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including standing and walking for the entire shift, repeated bending and lifting, and lifting 60 pounds repeatedly.
• Capability to exert up to 150 foot-pounds on a torque wrench for securing molds and components.
• Ability to meet requirements for a crane license and safely operate lifting equipment around molds and machinery.
• Comfort working around a magnetic field as part of the molding and tooling environment.
• Achievement of a minimum score of 16 on the Wonderlic Personnel Test or equivalent assessment as required.
• Ability to wear steel-toed footwear and other required personal protective equipment throughout the shift.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 1–2+ years of experience in a plastic injection molding environment, including machine operating and machine setup.
• Experience with troubleshooting molding processes, mechanical issues, and basic maintenance repair in a manufacturing setting.
• Exposure to tooling, mold setup optimization, and continuous improvement practices such as kaizen.
• Willingness and ability to complete structured Mold Technician Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training within defined time frames.
• Openness to taking a skills assessment to determine…