We are a plastic injection molding manufacturer looking for a dependable Plastic Injection Molding Operator to join our production team.
We specialize in short-run injection molding production with a strong focus on quality. Because we produce a variety of parts in smaller production runs, operators need to be attentive, flexible, and comfortable working with different machines, materials, parts, and production requirements.
The primary responsibilities of this position are operating injection molding machines, monitoring production, trimming and finishing molded parts, inspecting parts for quality, packaging completed product, and helping manage the plastic materials used in production.
This is a hands-on manufacturing position where the operator is responsible for both the machine they are running and the quality of the parts being produced.
Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor plastic injection molding machines during production.
- Keep assigned machines running safely and efficiently throughout the production shift.
- Remove or handle molded parts as they are produced.
- Trim gates, runners, flash, and excess plastic from molded parts using appropriate hand tools or trimming equipment.
- Inspect parts during production and trimming to make sure they meet quality requirements.
- Identify visible defects, incomplete parts, excessive flash, contamination, damage, or other quality concerns.
- Count, organize, and package finished parts according to job requirements.
- Follow the work instructions and quality standards for each production job.
- Keep accurate production counts and report scrap, quality problems, or production issues.
- Monitor machines for unusual sounds, leaks, alarms, or changes in operation and report concerns promptly.
- Keep injection molding machines clean and properly cared for.
- Perform basic operator-level machine maintenance and upkeep, including cleaning machines, removing plastic and debris, checking machine condition, and checking or topping off oil or machine fluids when instructed.
- Grind appropriate plastic runners, scrap, or other material for reuse when required.
- Set up plastic material in dryers as needed for upcoming or current production jobs.
- Clean material dryers and related equipment when changing materials or as needed.
- Help move, organize, and return plastic materials to their proper locations after use.
- Make sure bags, containers, and materials are clearly kept where they belong and returned to the correct shelf or storage area.
- Assist with moving raw materials, finished products, and other production items as needed.
- Keep tools, materials, packaging, finished parts, and surrounding production areas organized.
- Maintain a clean and safe work area.
- Assist with other production responsibilities as needed.
Production and Quality
Our operation focuses on short-run production, so operators may run different parts, machines, and materials rather than producing the same product continuously for long periods of time.
Operators are expected to pay attention to both the machine and the part throughout the production run.
Running the machine is only one part of the job. The operator is also responsible for handling, trimming, inspecting, and preparing the molded parts being produced.
Quality control is an important part of every job. Operators should be able to recognize when a part does not look correct and communicate problems before defective parts continue through production or packaging.
Our goal is to produce parts correctly and consistently while keeping production moving efficiently.
Material Handling
Operators also help manage the plastic materials used throughout production.
Depending on the job, this may include preparing material for production, placing material in dryers, cleaning dryers between materials, grinding reusable plastic, moving material to and from production areas, and returning unused material to the proper shelf or storage location.
Keeping materials clean, organized, and in the correct location is an important part of preventing mistakes and keeping production running smoothly.
Forklift experience is preferred, as operators may assist with moving materials, pallets, finished goods, and other production items when needed.
Machine Care
Operators are expected to take care of the equipment they use.
This includes keeping machines clean, removing plastic and debris, maintaining an orderly area around the press, and performing simple operator-level upkeep such as checking or topping off oil or other machine fluids when instructed.
Operators should also pay attention to the condition of the machine and report leaks, unusual noises, damage, alarms, or anything else that may require attention.
Advanced machine repairs, mold repairs, or injection molding process adjustments are handled by trained personnel unless the operator has been specifically trained and assigned those responsibilities.
Work Environment
We are a small, family-run manufacturing operation, which means employees work closely together and everyone plays an important role in keeping production running smoothly.
Operators may move between different machines and production jobs depending on our schedule. The work can include machine operation, trimming, inspection, packaging, material handling, grinding plastic, preparing dryers, cleaning equipment, and other normal production responsibilities.
We value people who take responsibility for their work, communicate when they see a problem, take care of the equipment they use, and are willing to help where needed.
Qualifications
- Injection molding or manufacturing experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person.
- Comfortable operating manufacturing equipment and working around injection molding machines.
- Comfortable performing regular hands-on trimming and finishing of molded plastic parts.
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
- Ability to recognize visible defects and quality problems.
- Basic math and counting skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Ability to stay focused during repetitive production tasks.
- Willingness to learn different machines, parts, materials, and job requirements.
- Ability to work independently after proper training.
- Comfortable handling raw plastic materials and helping keep material storage organized.
- Forklift experience is preferred.
- Willingness to help with different production responsibilities as needed.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who takes ownership of the production job they are running.
A good operator:
- Pays attention to the machine while it is running.
- Keeps production moving efficiently.
- Trims and finishes parts carefully.
- Checks parts for quality throughout the production run.
- Takes care of the machine and equipment they are using.
- Handles and stores plastic materials properly.
- Keeps materials, dryers, tools, and work areas clean and organized.
- Communicates quickly when something does not look or operate correctly.
- Can move between different jobs and machines as production needs change.
- Is dependable and willing to learn.
Experience is helpful, but dependability, attention to detail, work ethic, and willingness to learn are equally important to us.
Pay
Starting pay is $18.25/hour. Pay may be negotiated based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.
Work Location: In person
Pay: From $18.25 per hour
Work Location: In person
