Injection Molding Set up Technician Job Reno area,Nevada USA,Manufacturing / Production

Job Title: Injection Molding Set up Technician
Location: Reno-Stead 89506
Pay: $25-40/hr DOE
Shift: Mon
- Friday 7AM- 3:30PM

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Injection Molding Process Technician to join our manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up, operating, and troubleshooting injection molding machines to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production of high-quality plastic components. This position plays a key role in supporting our production goals while maintaining compliance with safety, quality, and efficiency standards.

Responsibilities of a Set-up Person in an Injection Molding Operation

In an injection molding operation, a set-up person (sometimes called a mold setter
or process technician) plays a critical role in preparing and maintaining machines so
production can run efficiently, safely, and at the right quality. Their responsibilities
typically include:

Core Responsibilities
1. Mold Installation & Removal
o Safely install, secure, and remove injection molds from machines.
o Align molds properly to ensure part quality and prevent damage.
o Connect and disconnect auxiliary equipment (water lines, hydraulic hoses,
hot runners, etc.).
2. Machine Setup
o Enter or adjust machine parameters (temperature, pressure, cycle time,
injection speed, etc.) according to the job setup sheet or engineering
standards.
o Ensure correct materials, colors, and additives are loaded.
o Verify machine safety features are functioning before startup.
3. Start-Up & Trial Runs
o Run initial shots and inspect parts for defects.
o Make fine adjustments to process settings to achieve proper cycle time,
part quality, and dimensional accuracy.
o Approve the process before releasing to production.
4. Documentation
o Record setup parameters, adjustments, and any changes from standard
process sheets.
o Maintain setup records for repeatability in future runs.
o Update troubleshooting logs.
5. Troubleshooting & Optimization

o Diagnose and resolve issues with flash, short shots, burn marks, sink,
warpage, etc.
o Work with process engineers to optimize cycle time and reduce scrap.
o Assist in root cause analysis of production issues.
6. Safety & Maintenance
o Follow proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
o Ensure molds, machines, and tools are maintained and cleaned during
setup.
o Report worn or damaged tooling, clamps, or machine issues.
7. Collaboration
o Work with operators, quality inspectors, and engineers to ensure smooth
production.
o Train operators on startup checks and basic machine functions.
o Communicate any deviations from standard processes.

Key Skills & Requirements
? Strong knowledge of injection molding machines (hydraulic, electric, or hybrid).
? Ability to read setup sheets, blueprints, and quality standards.
? Understanding of plastic materials and their processing characteristics.
? Mechanical skills for mold changeovers and minor machine adjustments.
? Safety awareness and adherence to procedures.

? In short: A set-up person is responsible for getting the injection molding machine
ready for production, ensuring molds are installed correctly, settings are
optimized, and the process is stable for operators to run safely and consistently
??? Injection Molding Setup Checklist
1. Preparation
? ? Review the production schedule & setup sheet.

? ? Verify correct mold, material, colorant, and auxiliary equipment are available.
? ? Inspect mold for cleanliness, damage, or missing components.
? ? Confirm hoist/crane, clamps, bolts, hoses, and tools are ready.
? ? Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) before starting.

2. Mold Removal (if changing molds)
? ? Purge remaining material from barrel.
? ? Shut down heaters & allow safe cooling if needed.
? ? Disconnect water, hydraulics, and electrical connections.
? ? Remove clamps/bolts securing mold.
? ? Carefully lift mold out with crane/hoist.
? ? Clean platens and mounting surfaces.

3. Mold Installation
? ? Position mold correctly between machine platens.
? ? Align locating rings with platen bore.
? ? Secure mold with clamps or bolts, ensuring even pressure.
? ? Connect water lines (verify correct flow in/out).
? ? Connect hydraulic cylinders, core pulls, hot runner, and…