Operator- 1st Shift

Company Overview

Are you a forward-thinking leader passionate about optimizing supply chain operations? PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract manufacturing and tool-building industry, is looking for an Operator- 1st Shift (7:00am-3:30pm) to join our dynamic team.

At PTA Plastics, we’re more than just a manufacturer; we partner with Fortune 500 OEMs in the medical device, defense, homeland security, and technology sectors, constantly pushing the boundaries of product development and manufacturing excellence. As an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in our success, creating a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation thrives.

As an Operator at PTA Plastics, you will perform the necessary tasks of manufacturing an injection-molded part. Your primary focus will be on collecting freshly produced parts, ensuring parts measure up to visible quality standards, and placing parts in boxes for shipping.

$17.94/hr- $24.50/hr

• Operate plastic injection molding machines according to established procedures and guidelines.
• Observe machine operation to detect work defects or machine malfunctions.
• Inspect finished products for quality based on the quality plan, identifying any defects or abnormalities such as cracks, splay, sink, drag lines, blemishes, color variations, etc.
• Understand and follow work instructions and quality plans to produce parts that meet specified requirements.
• Monitor and control the production process to maintain consistent output and minimize waste.
• Record operational data, including scrap, in the Job Book.
• Perform secondary operations as needed, such as assembly, trimming, milling, pad printing, etc.
• Package products at the press according to work instructions.
• Maintain a clean and safe workplace.
• Communicate with Molding, Q.A., and Engineering personnel to ensure objectives are met.
• Follow safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and quality standards to meet customer requirements and expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience operating plastic injection molding machines or similar manufacturing equipment is a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to understand work instructions and quality plans in English to produce parts that meet specified requirements.
• Strong communication skills, including English reading, writing, and speaking skills, to understand work instructions and effectively communicate with team members and supervisors.
• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing production demands.
• Commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment.

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the production floor for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools, machine components, and molds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
• Good vision and color perception for inspecting parts and identifying any defects or abnormalities.
• Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and withstand exposure to noise levels associated with manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to receive, comprehend and utilize required training from OSHA and Company including but not limited to the following:
• First Aid and CPR (optional)

To conform to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at PTA Plastics must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § .

PTA Plastics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities. As part of this commitment, PTA Plastics complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Connecticut’s Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA), which prohibit discrimination against individuals with…