Job Description/Responsibilities:
The Plastics Technician is responsible for the safe operation, setup, troubleshooting, changeovers, preventative maintenance, and quality of the blow molding equipment within the Plastics Department. This role plays a key part in ensuring plastic bottles are produced safely, efficiently, and meet all quality standards to support production schedules.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on blow molding experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and be comfortable diagnosing equipment issues, performing mechanical adjustments, and minimizing downtime. This position will also provide day-to-day guidance to temporary employees working within the department while promoting a culture focused on safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
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Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot blow molding machines and auxiliary equipment to maximize uptime and production efficiency.
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Perform machine startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and equipment adjustments.
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Complete preventative maintenance and basic mechanical repairs on blow molding equipment.
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Identify equipment issues quickly and work to resolve mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and process-related problems.
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Perform quality inspections to ensure bottles meet company specifications for appearance, dimensions, and performance.
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Monitor production performance and make process adjustments to improve efficiency while reducing scrap.
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Maintain accurate production, quality, and maintenance documentation.
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Assist with mold changes and setup activities.
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Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while following all company safety policies and procedures.
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Train and provide guidance to temporary employees assisting in the Plastics Department.
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Communicate equipment concerns, production issues, and quality observations to leadership.
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Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.
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Support department goals by meeting daily production targets and minimizing downtime.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements:
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High school diploma or GED.
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Previous hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting blow molding equipment.
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Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.
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Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot production equipment.
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Ability to read and follow work instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures.
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Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Basic computer skills for production documentation.
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Technical school, apprenticeship, or Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
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Two (2) or more years of experience operating blow molding equipment.
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Experience with preventative maintenance programs.
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Experience with plastics manufacturing, packaging, beverage, food manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG).
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Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or Six Sigma.
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Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds without assistance.
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive movements throughout a 12-hour shift.
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Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment safely.
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Ability to work in a loud manufacturing environment with appropriate hearing protection.
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Ability to work in hot, humid, and industrial manufacturing conditions.
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Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Ability to work overtime and weekends as business needs require.
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Regular, reliable, in-person attendance.
