Molding Technician - 2nd Shift

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations. A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. We look for growth potential with every hire and set people on career paths.

About the role

This is a hands-on technical position responsible for molding machine setups, start-ups, operation, and shut-downs. Must follow all standard work procedures including daily use of Summit Lean Manufacturing System tools. Completes process verifications, performs 1st piece/last piece inspections, and performs routine quality checks. Responsible for ensuring that machines, molds, and equipment are properly functioning and maintained. Identifies problems and performs basic troubleshooting according to knowledge and work experience. Duties also include general housekeeping, visual production management, product flow, compliance to 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, hot runner controllers, etc., per standard work procedures
• Troubleshoot basic machine and equipment problems
• Troubleshoot basic robot problems
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of mold construction and function and assist in the initial troubleshooting process
• 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 of 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, as needed, in the grinding of runners and scrap parts

Training

The Mold Tech position is a progressive role requiring diligent completion of training requirements over 3 levels and within prescribed time frames to achieve fully qualified status.

• Level 1 Side Load – Completed within 5 weeks of placement in position
  • Under direct supervision, safely perform a side load mold change and basic quality tasks
  • Complete training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Side Load
• Level 1 Top Load – Completed within 2 weeks of completion 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 as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Top Load
• Level 2 – Completed within 18 weeks of completion 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 requirements and execution per standard work procedure
  • Perform a full start-up, completing all required checks and documentation
  • Conduct limited troubleshooting of the process and equipment and make adjustments if required
  • Complete training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 2
• Level 3 – Completed within 54 weeks of completion of Level 2 (18 months after hire)
  • Under general supervision, meet all Mold Tech Level 3 requirements
  • Complete training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 3

Requirements

• Agreement to complete all required post-hire training modules within specified time frame
• 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)
• 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
• Must be capable of exerting up to 150 foot-pounds on a torque wrench
• Must be able to work around a magnetic field

This position typically does not require any travel.