Injection Molding Machine Technician

Position Title: Injection Mold Technician

Department: Production / Manufacturing

Reports To: Plant Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time (may include day/night/weekend shifts)

Pay: $25/hr

Position Summary:

The Injection Mold Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment. This role ensures optimal machine performance, consistent product quality, and minimal downtime during production runs. The technician also supports mold changes, startup processes, quality checks, and documentation in compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and start injection molding machines according to approved work instructions.

• Install and remove molds/dies using cranes or hoists.

• Ensure proper alignment and clamping of molds.

• Select, install, and adjust machine parameters (temperature, pressure, injection speed, cooling time).

• Conduct tool changeovers and setup for new production runs.

Process Control & Optimization

• Troubleshoot and resolve molding issues such as flash, short shots, splay, warping, and sink marks.

• Monitor part dimensions and perform in-process quality inspections.

• Adjust process parameters to ensure consistency and reduce scrap.

• Collaborate with process engineers to improve cycle times and optimize machine performance.

Quality Assurance

• Perform visual inspections, first-article checks, and dimensional verification using calipers, micrometers, or other gauges.

• Maintain quality documentation (startup checklists, SPC charts, deviation logs).

• Identify and report non-conforming product to Plant Manager.

• Ensure parts meet visual and dimensional specifications before release.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on machines and auxiliary equipment (e.g., dryers, chillers, conveyors).

• Clean molds and platens regularly; apply rust inhibitors when needed.

• Diagnose and repair hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical issues on presses.

• Document all repairs and maintenance activities.

Production Support

• Load raw materials and maintain hopper levels during runs.

• Monitor resin drying and mixing processes to prevent contamination or improper drying.

• Set up and maintain auxiliary equipment: robotics, grinders, chillers, mold temperature controllers (TCUs).

• Coordinate with Material Handlers and Machine Operators to ensure smooth workflow.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and proper PPE usage.

• Identify and report safety hazards.

• Comply with OSHA, ISO, and facility-specific regulations.

• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification in plastics or manufacturing preferred.

• 2+ years of experience in injection molding setup and troubleshooting.

• Strong understanding of injection molding processes, tooling, materials machine types, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools, torque wrenches, gauges.

• Familiar with processing equipment: Engel, Nissei, Arburg, Toshiba, Husky, or similar.

• Ability to read electrical blueprints, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.

• Basic computer skills for inputting data into ERP or MES systems.

• Forklift certification a plus.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and stand for long periods.

• Work in a non-climate-controlled environment with exposure to noise, heat, and plastic fumes.

• Bending, stooping, and climbing ladders may be required.

• Weekend or overtime work depending on production demand.