Process Technician II

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

About the role

The Process Technician II independently sets up, starts, optimizes, and troubleshoots injection molding processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This experienced technician handles complex changeovers and process issues, edits established robot programs, and supports less-experienced technicians while protecting safety, quality, uptime, and scrap performance.

Responsibilities

• Independently complete mold changes, machine startups, job changes, hot-stamp setups, and version changes across assigned equipment.
• Analyze molding conditions and adjust pressure, speed, temperature, back pressure, transfer position, cooling, and related parameters to restore process stability.
• Troubleshoot mold heat, thermocouple, water, hydraulic, material, auxiliary-equipment, and robotic issues.
• Download, save, edit, name, and validate existing machine and robot programs following change-control requirements.
• Use electrical meters, water diagrams, circuit diagrams, setup documentation, and process data to isolate problems.
• Coach Level I technicians on standard work, safe changeovers, machine controls, and troubleshooting methods.
• Recommend practical improvements that reduce scrap, shorten changeovers, improve cycle performance, or prevent repeat problems.
• Monitor injection molding machines and respond promptly to process-related issues to reduce downtime and scrap.
• Start up and adjust machines to support safe, efficient production and consistent product quality.
• Perform mold changes, insert changes, version changes, and date-code verification according to established procedures.
• Set up and operate auxiliary equipment used in the injection molding process.
• Set up, reference, and operate robotic material-handling equipment appropriate to the assigned level.
• Complete first-piece verification and required production, mold-change, and shift documentation accurately.
• Inspect in-process and finished product; identify defects and take or escalate corrective action.
• Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs involving machines, molds, heaters, thermocouples, and auxiliary equipment.
• Follow lockout/tagout, crane and sling inspection, machine-guarding, PPE, and all other safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and communicate production or quality concerns during shift handoffs.
• Perform other duties and provide overtime or shift coverage as assigned based on business needs.

What distinguishes Level II

Successful Level II technicians work independently across multiple machines and molds, restore stable processes efficiently, solve recurring problems methodically, and strengthen the skills of the technicians around them.

Requirements

• Typically three or more years of injection molding Process Technician experience, or an equivalent combination of training and demonstrated competency.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set molds, start machines, establish stable processes, and troubleshoot common molding defects.
• Experience with industrial robots, auxiliary equipment, overhead cranes, mold heaters, and material-handling systems.
• Working knowledge of injection molding variables, processing windows, clamp-tonnage considerations, hot- and cold-runner systems, and mold-protection principles.
• Ability to read and apply technical instructions, setup sheets, schematics, process data, and quality standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly, document troubleshooting actions, and help train less-experienced employees.
• Ability to demonstrate required Level II competencies through Schaefer’s skills assessment and practical evaluation.

Skills

• Mechanical and process troubleshooting
• Safety and quality discipline
• Clear shift-to-shift communication
• Teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Organization, documentation, and follow-through
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Schedule

This position supports a 24/7 manufacturing operation and may be assigned to a rotating 12-hour day or night schedule, including weekends and holidays. Overtime, schedule changes, and shift coverage may be required based on production needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, elevated work areas, and moderate to loud noise.
• Regularly stand and walk; use hands and arms; and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and work safely around injection molding machines, robots, cranes, molds, and auxiliary equipment.

Pay

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $29.00–$35.00 per hour. The actual starting rate will be based on relevant experience, demonstrated technical capability, shift assignment, internal equity, and other job-related factors. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law.