Molding Trainer

Company Overview

Founded in 1946, HI‑LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power‑lift‑gate systems, and mechanical control cables. The company serves the automotive industry as well as power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka) and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI‑LEX employs more than 12,000 associates worldwide. In the Americas, HI‑LEX operates ten manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. U.S. divisions include HI‑LEX America (Battle Creek, MI), HI‑LEX Controls (Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, MI), and Daedong HI‑LEX of America (Cusseta, AL). The automotive center in Rochester Hills, MI houses Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing, and IT.

Position Summary

Performs duties to instruct operators in the safe and proper methods of performing their duties to produce a part conforming to quality and performance standards. Ensures operators follow work instructions and use appropriate PPE. Capable of changeovers on all assigned plastic injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment, and follows process set‑up sheets to maintain established parameters.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Instruct operators in the safe and proper operation of all injection molding machines to meet quality and production standards.
• Perform in‑process checks, tests, and gauging as required by control plans and operator instructions.
• Identify out‑of‑specification components and follow non‑conforming product/hold tag procedures.
• Responsible for first‑piece validation for each job and ensure correct material usage.
• Perform product problem solving and corrective actions.
• Work to ensure company goals are attained.
• Perform process adjustments when necessary.
• Complete required forms and paperwork.
• Verify quantities, lot numbers, labels, and correctness of parts.
• Perform cycle counts using handheld scanner and ERP system.
• Repair minor machine problems and assist operators with minor preventative maintenance.
• Complete TPM as required.
• Notify team leader or supervisor when equipment or gauges need maintenance, repair, or calibration.
• Fill in for absentees on work stations when needed.
• Follow all safety rules and keep the work area clean and orderly.
• Fill in for Team Leader when needed.
• Instruct operators on the 4S program and confirm daily activities are understood and completed.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in plastic injection molding.
• Excellent attendance record.

Functional Experience

• Use hand tools, crane, grinders, calipers, and gauges.
• Operate a Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) and/or hand or powered pallet jack.
• Use a computer and typical office software.
• Ability to use handheld scanner.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment in assigned area.

Physical Requirements

Works in a factory environment with noise from manufacturing operations. Exposure to moving equipment, parts, and electrical shock; possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment. Occasionally lifts, carries, or moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.