Injection Molding Process Technician (2nd Shift

Injection Molding Process Technician (2nd Shift)
About this position

Title

Department

Plastics

Reports to

Plastics Manager

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 2:00 PM-10:30 PM. New hires will complete approximately 4-6 weeks of training on 1st Shift before transitioning to 2nd Shift. Includes a 5% shift differential.

RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. RPO offers exciting career paths and work on market-leading programs. See below one of many career opportunities to join the RPO team!

The Injection Molding Process Technician is responsible for setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing injection molding processes used in the production of precision optical components. This role plays a key part in supporting production by performing mold changeovers, establishing process parameters, monitoring product quality, and driving process improvements to achieve yield, quality, and production goals. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on manufacturing professional with experience in injection molding who understands the relationship between tooling, machine parameters, and part quality.

This position works closely with production, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing operations.

• Perform mold installations, mold changeovers, and machine setup activities in preparation for production runs.
• Establish, adjust, and document injection molding process parameters to achieve quality and production requirements.
• Start up, validate, and monitor production jobs following mold changes, maintenance activities, or process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot molding defects, process variation, machine issues, and tooling concerns to maintain production performance.
• Monitor process stability and make adjustments as necessary to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
• Perform mold tear‑downs and follow established mold removal, staging, and storage procedures.
• Disassemble, clean, inspect, maintain, and reassemble molds in accordance with departmental standards.
• Perform mold insert changes and verify proper tooling configuration prior to production.
• Conduct in‑process inspections and communicate quality concerns to production, quality, and engineering personnel.
• Utilize precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, profilometers, and other inspection tools to verify product conformance.
• Operate and support optical and mechanical testing equipment used to evaluate molded component quality.
• Accurately document process parameters, setup information, maintenance activities, and inspection results.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process capability, cycle time reduction, quality improvement, and waste reduction.
• Maintain compliance with safety requirements, quality standards, Lean Manufacturing principles, and 5S practices.
• Support overtime, off‑shift, or weekend coverage as required to meet production demands.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required. Technical training, apprenticeship, trade school education, or an associate degree in a manufacturing‑related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Injection Molding Process Technician, Mold Technician, Setup Technician, or similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience performing mold changeovers, machine setup, process adjustments, and production start‑ups.
• Strong understanding of injection molding processes and the impact of process parameters on product quality and consistency.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot molding defects, tooling issues, and process‑related challenges.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and other inspection tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely work with molds, tooling, and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret…