Mold Technician - 1st Shift

About the role

This is a hands-on technical position responsible for molding machine setups, start-ups, operation, and shut-downs. You will follow all standard work procedures including daily use of Summit Lean Manufacturing System tools. The role includes completing process verifications, performing 1st piece/last piece inspections, routine quality checks, and ensuring machines, molds, and equipment are properly functioning and maintained. You will identify problems and perform basic troubleshooting based on your knowledge and work experience. Duties also include general housekeeping, visual production management, product flow, compliance with environmental and safety procedures, and assisting with Operator/Utility tasks.

Responsibilities

• Safely perform injection mold changes and machine start-ups in the proper sequence and within time standards.
• Comply with all SPI requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., hard hats, heat gloves/sleeves, steel-toed shoes, eye protection).
• Perform lockout/tagout per requirements and safely operate equipment such as cranes, side load systems, and hot runner controllers.
• Troubleshoot basic machine, equipment, and robot problems.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of mold construction and function to assist in initial troubleshooting.
• Perform basic Robot End-Of-Arm-Tooling maintenance and repair.
• Complete machine process adjustments within prescribed limits to ensure product meets specifications.
• Identify non-standard work and machine conditions that are potential safety concerns and take appropriate action.
• Effectively communicate and advise on product and production concerns with peers on other shifts.
• Assist the supervisor in managing shift activities and training operators, utilities, and other mold techs.
• Complete daily production paperwork.
• Utilize Summit Lean Manufacturing Systems principles to monitor inventory, schedule, and run production.
• Follow general housekeeping principles.
• Assist with giving Operator/Utility breaks.
• Assist in the grinding of runners and scrap parts as needed.

Training

The Mold Tech position is progressive, requiring completion of training over 3 levels within prescribed time frames to achieve fully qualified status.

• Level 1 Side Load – Completed within 5 weeks of placement:
  • Under direct supervision, safely perform a side load mold change and basic quality tasks.
  • Complete training modules and tests outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Side Load.
• Level 1 Top Load – Completed within 2 weeks of Level 1 Side Load (6 weeks after hire):
  • Under direct supervision, safely perform a top load mold change using a crane.
  • Complete training modules and tests outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Top Load.
• Level 2 – Completed within 18 weeks of Level 1 Top Load (24 weeks after hire):
  • Under general supervision, safely and efficiently perform both side load and top load set-ups, meeting time and execution requirements.
  • Perform full start-ups, completing all required checks and documentation.
  • Conduct limited troubleshooting of the process and equipment, making adjustments if required.
  • Complete training modules and tests outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 2.
• Level 3 – Completed within 54 weeks of Level 2 (18 months after hire):
  • Under general supervision, meet all Mold Tech Level 3 requirements.
  • Complete training modules and tests outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 3.

Requirements

• Agreement to complete all required post-hire training modules within specified time frames.
• A minimum score in the 50th percentile on the DAT Mechanical Reasoning Test.
• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select (Traditional score of 16 on the Cognitive portion).
• Meet the physical requirements for the position:
  • Physically capable of standing and walking for the entire shift.
  • Must be able to lift 60 pounds repeatedly.
  • Repeated bending and lifting during the shift.
  • Must be able to wear steel-toed footwear.
  • Adequate visual acuity to enter/revise molding press programming.
  • Must be able to meet requirements for crane license.
  • Capable of exerting up to 150 foot-pounds on a torque wrench.
  • Must be able to work around a magnetic field.