Mold Change Setter - Days

About the role

Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands. As a family-owned company with locations around the world, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth.

At ALPLA, we invest in our people, promote from within, and foster a culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. From apprenticeship programs and technical training to leadership development opportunities, ALPLA is committed to helping employees build long-term careers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in mold changes on molding machines, including removal and installation of molds, heads, and related tooling.
• Set up machines for production runs, including parison programming, temperature settings, and process parameters.
• Conduct startup and verify product quality to meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot molding, machine, and tooling abnormalities to minimize downtime and scrap while ensuring product quality.
• Adjust machine settings to optimize cycle time, quality, and efficiency.
• Perform preventive maintenance on molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment.
• Inspect molds and tooling for wear, damage, or defects; report and coordinate repairs.
• Ensure proper alignment, clamping, cooling, and operation of molds.
• Document setup parameters, process changes, and production data.
• Follow setup sheets, process documentation, and production schedules.
• Maintain 5S standards in work area.
• Support downtime reduction through efficient preparation and execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety & Compliance

Strict adherence to ALPLA Safety Standards, including:

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• PPE usage
• Safe mold handling practices
• Report near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions.

Team Collaboration

Work closely with Mold Setter II, Technicians, Maintenance, and Production teams to meet performance objectives.

Communicate effectively on job status, issues, and handoffs.

Support continuous improvement initiatives.

Support operator training on machine operation and quality checks as needed.

Performance Metrics

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) %
• Changeover Efficiency %
• Operational Waste %
• Safety Compliance (Zero Incidents / Near Miss Reporting)

Competencies

• Ensures Accountability
• Decision Quality
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust
• Collaborates
• Values Differences
• Drives Results

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience operating molding machines.
• Understanding of plastics materials (HDPE, PP, PET, etc.).
• Ability to read process sheets and technical drawings.
• Experience with tooling setup, parison control, and troubleshooting minor defects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical certification in plastics processing or manufacturing.
• Experience with automation systems and robotics.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job:

• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and very occasionally to climb or balance.
• The employee is regularly required to climb or balance when using correct stands on machine ladders.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA).

Benefits

Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Childcare and dependent care savings programs
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition programs
• Hands-on training and professional development
• A stable, growing company committed to sustainability