LifeMade - Technician, Process Mold

About the Role

LifeMade Products LLC, a Jadex Inc operating company, provides tabletop solutions tailored to the retail and foodservice industries. Our thoughtfully designed product range includes durable and convenient cutlery, straws, mini cups, deli cups, to-go boxes, and sauce cups, each crafted to meet your business needs. The Process/Mold Technician is responsible for high-level knowledge of electronic, process, calibration, and control systems for all manufacturing equipment, maintaining and repairing molds and injection equipment, and ensuring repeatable processes that follow OEM diagrams, operation manuals, and specifications.

The position requires a sense of urgency and the ability to work any shift, including overtime and weekends, with little notice to accomplish company goals. Must be self-directed and willing to accept operational responsibility and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Work safely following all OSHA and GMP requirements, including LOTO, PPE requirements, and hot surface precautions.
• Foster a safety and quality-first approach to all tasks.
• Understand and follow plant safety rules; help identify and eliminate safety hazards.
• Assist in monitoring the quality of work output and maintain compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Conduct first article inspections and in-process quality checks.
• Complete production paperwork, downtime logs, and shift reports accurately.
• Follow control plans, work instructions, and quality management system (QMS) procedures.
• Lead by example, promote teamwork, and foster an exemplary working environment.
• Train and develop shift personnel to maximize efficiencies.
• Interface with Engineering, Production, cross-functional teams, and outside vendors for urgent requests impacting production.
• Participate in the preventative maintenance program and maintain accurate maintenance history records.
• Coordinate and fabricate tools and equipment to support various departments.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area with 5S standards.
• Perform root cause analysis and apply sustainable solutions to improve equipment and processes.
• Provide daily assessment of tooling and process-related issues, including corrective and preventive actions.
• Communicate and verify problems and actions to meet OEE and scrap goals daily.
• Assist in developing and maintaining process documentation.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing processes to improve yield, throughput, and part quality.
• Perform mold changes, set-ups, and start-ups, ensuring all aspects of production are acceptable.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, including hands-on service for molds and hot runners.
• Diagnose, tear down, repair, polish cavities, and reassemble molds on the bench or in the press.
• Assemble jigs, fixtures, tools, and dies as required.
• Diagnose, repair, and calibrate automated and semi-automated equipment.
• Use PLCs and HMI controls; utilize Asset Essentials (CMMS) software for tracking repairs and inspections.
• Ensure inventory system has tooling spare parts with order points, specifications, and cost controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of technical hands-on experience in an injection molding operation.
• RJG, AIM, Paulson, and Routsis certifications are a plus.
• Familiarity with PLC programming and electrical controls.
• Detailed knowledge of mechanical design and general machining capabilities.
• Thorough familiarity with hydraulic and electrical/electronic components of manufacturing equipment.
• Self-motivated to learn and perform job tasks to meet or exceed expectations.
• Capacity to work at an efficient rate to meet production goals and standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Requires up to 12 hours of standing/walking daily.
• Must be able to lift 45-50 lbs. individually; team lifts upwards of 50-100 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 50 lbs. individually; team push/pull upwards of 50-100 lbs.
• Must be able to bend/stoop/twist, crouch/squat, and reach above and below shoulders.
• Requires repetitive use of the arm, wrist, and hand.
• Must be able to work with machinery and hand tools.
• Moderate exposure to heat, cold, and noise.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety toe shoes.