The Process Technician is responsible for setting up, programming, starting, troubleshooting, and optimizing injection molding machines, automation systems, and auxiliary equipment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining production efficiency, product quality, safety, and on-time delivery. The Process Technician must be proficient in machine setup, process startup, troubleshooting, and material handling activities necessary to support manufacturing operations.
Hourly Wage Range: $26 to $36/hour DOE
Hours: Monday through Friday 2:30PM to 11PM (2nd Shift)
Essential Duties include the following:
- Identify any unsafe condition(s) of machine and/or support equipment then notify maintenance or your supervisor immediately. Stop unsafe equipment from operation and lock out from power source.
- Set up, start, operate, and troubleshoot molding machines, automation/robots, support equipment, and associated processes, and verify documentation for the job being installed or started.
- Before starting the machine, ensure all areas of the machine including bed, floor, and table of items from the previous run are clean. Support equipment, documentation, and packaging from the previous run should also be put away before starting the machine.
- Inspect mold for damage and lubrication of guide pins and bushings before starting.
- Verify machine settings against the approved setup sheet and manufacturing plan prior to startup.
- Troubleshoot and adjust machines as required to produce parts in accordance with the work instructions and manufacturing plan in a safe manner.
- Complete all required startup documentation, including first-piece approval, last-piece verification, and manufacturing plan review, before releasing the machine to production.
- Check that parts are being produced at a rate that meets or exceeds the standard listed in the manufacturing plan, including part and shot weight, cycle time, etc. Fill out an engineer request form if necessary.
- Notify the supervisor if scrap rates exceed the standards identified in the manufacturing plan or if excessive scrap occurs during startup.
- Document and report process deviations that exceed established operating parameters.
- Proficient to start up and troubleshoot all auxiliary equipment.
- Proficient installing and troubleshooting EOAT equipment.
- Startup robotic and automation equipment and perform basic troubleshooting as required.
- Provide training information and act as a resource to Material Handler & Setup Technician positions.
- Stay up to date with technical developments and apply relevant knowledge to your job.
- Conduct mold changeovers safely and efficiently.
- Monitor and document critical process parameters.
- Assist Engineering with mold trials, material evaluations, and validation activities.
- Support continuous improvement and scrap reduction initiatives.
- Train operators on process changes, startup requirements, and quality standards.
- Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions related to quality and equipment issues.
Knowledge, Skills & Education:
- High School diploma or equivalent, with possession of basic math knowledge.
- Ability to create MRO work orders in ERP system on molds and equipment when necessary.
- Ability to operate an electric crane used for setting and removing molds.
- Must be able to be forklift certified.
- Ability to operate a tool storage rack/crane in a safe manner.
- Self-starter with a can-do attitude; always working in the best interest of VRC.
- Must work well with minimal supervision independently to complete tasks as well as working as an active team member.
- Ability to comply with instructions, prescribed routines, methods, and/or practices.
- Ability to effectively communicate with others.
Preferred
- Minimum 2-3 years of plastic injection molding processing experience preferred.
- Experience with scientific molding principles preferred.
- Knowledge of thermoplastic materials and drying requirements.
- Experience troubleshooting molding defects including flash, short shots, sink, splay, burn marks, and warpage.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 70 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a shift.
- Ability to reach, bend, stoop, twist, crouch, climb ladders, and work around moving machinery.
- Ability to distinguish visual differences in molded products and identify quality defects.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (as low as $25.43/week).
- FSA & Dependent Care FSA options.
- Company sponsored life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
- 401k with employer match.
- 11 paid holidays and 80 hours of accrued paid time off.
- Generous employee referral program.
- Employee Assistance Program
We're a company that values work-life balance and provides highly affordable benefits. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, which is why we prioritize our employees' well-being. We're looking for dedicated individuals who are seeking a rewarding career with an employer that cares about their well-being. If you're interested in a job that provides both professional growth and a healthy work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
