You arrive to a prioritized production schedule, prep your molding cell, and set up molds and materials to launch a safe, efficient run. Throughout the shift you fine‑tune parameters, complete changeovers, and keep detailed process records so every part meets spec—then you hand off a clean, organized area to the next team.
- Set up and run material handling, molding, finishing, and assembly equipment (including mold setup and cutter adjustments).
- Own mold changeovers and machine adjustments; perform machine start‑ups and shut‑downs.
- Operate a forklift to change, move, and organize molds safely.
- Complete daily process documentation to control and maintain stable running conditions.
- Perform minor mechanical work, including insert changes and small repairs.
- Operate, repair, and maintain high‑volume injection molding machines.
- Track production quantities to manage color changes, mold changes, and order completions.
- Follow approved procedures and set priorities based on production needs.
- Reduce scrap at the root cause and drive corrective actions.
- Keep the work area audit‑ready using 5S; champion safety, quality, and environmental expectations.
- Troubleshoot support equipment such as grinders, blenders, hopper loaders, and chillers.
- Identify and resolve issues involving equipment, process, materials, training, or staffing to protect quality and efficiency.
- Recommend process, equipment, and practice improvements to engineering.
- Conduct hourly machine checks to prevent mass production of defects.
- Report end‑of‑shift metrics: safety, quality, labor hours, production tickets, scrap, and first‑part approvals.
- Communicate with the Production Lead on anything affecting flow and brief the oncoming team on performance and scrap.
- Eliminate or escalate workplace hazards immediately; perform other duties as assigned.
- Follow all departmental safety rules and practices.
- Read and apply Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Work within relevant ISO procedures for this position.
- 3+ years of plastics molding processing and maintenance experience preferred.
- Hands‑on start‑up/shut‑down experience and understanding of machine functions.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Basic data entry skills; able to speak, read/comprehend, and write in English.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Comfort operating a forklift for mold changes and material/mold movement.
Physical Demands: Standing, sitting, walking (up to continuously); speaking/verbal communication; bend/stoop; twist neck and torso (frequently); reach, hold, grasp, push, pull; lift/carry raw material, finished product, tools, and machinery up to 50 pounds (frequently).
Working Conditions: Work indoors and outdoors with exposure to temperatures consistent with outdoor seasonal conditions.
- Injection molding machines
- Grinders, blenders, hopper loaders, chillers
- Forklifts (for mold handling)
