Process Assistant/Mold Setter (Plastics Manufacturing)

About Schaefer Plastics

Schaefer Plastics manufactures industry-leading waste and packaging solutions, driven by a commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1937, we are a global injection molding manufacturer known for our durable waste and recycling carts and reusable packaging systems.

Position Summary

The Process Assistant / Mold Setter supports daily production within the Plastics Division by performing safe, efficient mold changes; preparing machines and auxiliary equipment; assisting with mold and hot-stamp setup; and supporting maintenance, safety, and production needs. This role involves working directly with injection molding equipment and plays an important part in keeping production running safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform mold changes safely and efficiently according to established procedures.
• Review production paperwork and schedules to ensure the correct mold and version are prepared before beginning a mold change.
• Set up auxiliary equipment needed for production runs.
• Verify that the correct end-of-arm tooling is selected, installed, and ready for production.
• Ensure mold preventive maintenance tasks are completed according to the scheduled dates and times.
• Assist with preventive maintenance on cart molds when needed and when other assigned mold PM work is caught up.
• Complete hot stamp die changes as required.
• Perform routine walkarounds throughout the shift to verify hot stamp equipment is properly supplied and prepared.
• Ensure the correct foil size is available on hot stamp machines, on the production floor, and on platforms.
• Stage extra rolls of foil at machines to support efficient changeovers.
• Maintain and complete preventive maintenance on hot stamp machines.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians with repairs to machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment.
• Absorb and communicate equipment, mold, tooling, safety, or production concerns to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
• Provide shift coverage for coworkers when requested by the department supervisor or manager, except in cases of health or emergency situations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience working in or around injection molding machines, die setting, mold changes, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and willing to continue training.
• Willingness to work all shifts for extended periods, based on business needs.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and perform hands-on work throughout the shift.
• Ability to work around large injection molding machines, molds, auxiliary equipment, hot-stamping equipment, forklifts, production traffic, and typical manufacturing noise levels.

Schedule and Overtime

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The employee must be willing to work assigned shifts, overtime, and shift coverage as required by business needs. Work schedules are subject to change based on production requirements, staffing needs, and management direction.

Applicant Privacy Notice

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC will use the information you provide as part of the application process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you about the position, and manage the recruiting and hiring process. Applicant information will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and retention requirements and shared only with individuals involved in the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Schaefer Plastics North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.