Injection Molding Maintenance Specialist; Automation & Robotics

Position: Injection Molding Maintenance Specialist (Automation & Robotics)
Role Overview As an Injection Molding Maintenance Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert keeping our plastic molding and automated systems safe, stable, and productive. Your work blends hands-on troubleshooting with preventive care across molding presses, hot runner systems, thermolators, thermocouples, bowl feeders, 6-axis robots, vision systems, cameras, and PLC-driven automation.

A Day in the Role Begin with a quick check of overnight logs and alarms, then prioritize any urgent equipment recoveries.

Jump into electrical and mechanical diagnostics—tracing sensors, motors, drives, relays, and wiring on control panels using schematics.

Support mold changes and startups, fine-tuning equipment adjustments to ensure smooth launches and reliable output.

Partner with production, operations, and OEM vendors to coordinate repairs and source critical parts.

Execute scheduled preventive maintenance to eliminate repeat faults and extend equipment life.

How You’ll Make an Impact Restore equipment quickly and safely after alarms, faults, and unplanned downtime.

Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls issues on molding machines and automated cells.

Diagnose PLC I/O, interlocks, field devices, and automation faults; support robot and vision system recoveries.

Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce recurring breakdowns and scrap.

Document work with precision—repairs, downtime causes, and corrective measures—so the team learns from every event.

Leadership Without Direct Reports This position has no formal supervisory duties, but you will provide daily technical guidance to peers for safe practices, troubleshooting approaches, and minor repairs.

Decision-Making Authority Stop or shut down equipment for safety or to prevent damage.

Perform repairs within your training and scope; escalate significant issues or vendor needs.

Recommend spare parts, improvements, and outside technical support.

Support return-to-service decisions following maintenance and adjustments.

What You Bring Deep familiarity with plastic injection molding equipment, processes, and tooling.

Hands-on experience with automated manufacturing assets: 6-axis robots, bowl feeders, vision/camera systems, and PLC automation.

Proven electrical troubleshooting on sensors, motors, drives, relays, and wiring; strong panel and schematic skills.

Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems used in industrial environments.

Comfort supporting mold changes, changeovers, startups, and equipment fine-tuning.

Clear documentation habits and communication with production, leadership, vendors, and OEMs.Competence with Microsoft Office or similar tools for reporting and maintenance records.

Success Metrics High uptime across molding presses and automated cells.

On-time, accurate preventive maintenance execution.

Rapid, safe recovery from breakdowns and alarms.

Notable reduction in repeat failures and scrap tied to equipment issues.

Consistent, complete maintenance records.

Qualifications Minimum High  school diploma or equivalent.
3+ years of industrial maintenance experience in manufacturing.

Experience supporting plastic injection molding in production.

Background troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

Ability to read electrical schematics and work safely on industrial electrical systems.

Experience with automation, controls, or robotics in a plant setting.

Preferred Senior-level or journeyman maintenance background.

Formal training in electrical, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.

Exposure to 6-axis robots, automated work cells, vision systems, bowl feeders, and PLC-driven equipment.

Experience building or enhancing PM programs.

Hands-on support for mold changes, molding startups, and process-related troubleshooting.

OEM courses on robots, molding presses, automation, or related assets.

Work Schedule & Environment Primarily day shift, Monday–Friday.

Occasional weekends, overtime, or off-hours coverage as business needs arise.

Active plant floor setting with molding equipment, automation, moving machinery, electrical systems, noise, and heat.

Periodic domestic travel for training, vendor…