Blow Mold Technician III (2nd & 3rd Shift)

Essential Responsibilities

• Set up, start up, and optimize blow molding machines for production.
• Perform mold changes, tooling changes, and machine changeovers safely and efficiently while minimizing production downtime.
• Install, align, secure, and verify molds, tooling, and auxiliary equipment to ensure proper operation and product quality.
• Verify proper mold setup, cooling connections, and machine functionality before production startup.
• Develop, monitor, and optimize processing parameters to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and maintain product quality.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and processing issues.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment using ladder logic, HMI interfaces, alarms, and machine diagnostics.
• Aid in PLC programming modifications under engineering or manufacturer guidance.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, hydraulic diagrams, and machine blueprints.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on blow molding equipment and auxiliary systems.
• Repair and replace motors, sensors, valves, heaters, thermocouples, drives, relays, and electrical components.
• Calibrate machine settings and ensure proper process documentation is maintained.
• Monitor product quality and make process adjustments to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Troubleshoot resin flow, parison programming, temperature profiles, cooling systems, and extrusion performance.
• Support root cause analysis for downtime, quality defects, and equipment failures.
• Train and mentor operators and lower-level technicians on equipment operation, mold change procedures, troubleshooting, safety, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to improve equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, mold change documentation, and process sheets.
• Participate in continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, GMP requirements, and OSHA regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree or vocational training in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of blow molding processing and maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience with extrusion blow molding equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of machine setup, processing, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled machinery.
• Ability to interpret PLC fault codes and diagnose machine control issues.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems (24VDC, 120VAC, 480VAC).
• Experience working with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Experience with preventive maintenance systems and CMMS software preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods (up to 12-hour shifts).
• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Frequently bend, squat, kneel, climb ladders, and reach overhead.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment, heat, compressed air, and industrial chemicals.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hearing protection, safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, and gloves.

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of experience in similar role.
• Basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical repair is a plus.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.