Setup Technician - 1st Shift

About the role

Join McDonald Plastic Molding, a subsidiary of A.Y. McDonald Industries—a family-owned company founded in 1856. We are a custom injection molding company known for producing high-quality products that meet the needs of our customers. Our collaborative workplace, drive for innovation, and family-oriented culture make us a great place to build a career.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial startup on new production runs after mold sets are complete.
• Improve production efficiencies and reduce high scrap rates through process optimization.
• Research equipment and tooling problems and take corrective action.
• Troubleshoot process issues in the factory and consult with tool designers and project engineers for solutions.
• Recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and product quality.
• Document and record processes for all production runs for each customer.
• Conduct daily rounds and checks at each workstation, including:
  • Verifying waterlines are on and circulating through molds and mold heater units.
  • Ensuring water is on barrel throats and waterlines are routed properly without leaks.
  • Checking water tanks are circulating and heaters are working if used.
  • Confirming drop bars are set properly and dryers are working and set up correctly.
  • Reviewing electrical cords, air hoses, oil temperature, and other equipment.
• Set molds and start jobs according to standard procedures as instructed by supervisors.
• Set up and change over equipment for secondary and degating operations (tables, conveyors, water tanks, degaters, fixtures, etc.).
• Perform all aspects of changeover for converting molding machines to various production runs.
• Store mold inserts, fixtures, switches, valves, and other components in proper places when pulling jobs out.
• Perform minor mold maintenance and repair, including cavity, core, and/or base changeover.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs as required.
• Maintain inventory of heater bands, mold clamps, bolts, hoses, and knockout rods.
• Ensure set-up personnel have a good knowledge of all machines and their functions.
• Maintain good communications with the Quality Control Department to ensure quality products are produced.
• Follow established procedures for proper storage of molds and equipment.
• Keep set-up records accurate and organized.
• Use proper care with equipment to prevent damage (e.g., proper bolt lengths, centering rings, safety gates).
• Stage molds and equipment for upcoming jobs.
• Coordinate break periods to ensure machinery is not left idle.
• Assist with machine adjustments and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Operate a forklift as required.
• Report problems, needs, and equipment breakdowns to supervisors.
• Accurately complete all record-keeping forms.
• Perform lower-rated classification jobs to support plant operations safely and efficiently when necessary.
• Assist in secondary work as needed (assembly, printing, sorting, drilling, or gauging parts).
• Cover breaks for other operators.
• Operate machinery as needed.
• Ensure proper shift handover by spending adequate time before and after each shift.
• Be available to work overtime as needed.
• Question and report anything that seems unusual or incorrect to supervisors immediately.
• Adhere to all company policies regarding conduct, safety practices, and job performance.
• Assume supervisor responsibilities temporarily in case of emergencies or when called upon.
• Participate in strategic planning for the growth and success of McDonald Plastic Molding.
• Engage in group and individual training.
• Develop and implement the company’s core values and mission statement.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner while supporting the company’s safety culture.
• Delegate workload based on individual strengths.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Perform all job duties with a positive, collaborative, and encouraging attitude.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance, talk or hear, and taste or smell.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Benefits

• Major medical insurance (BCBS).
• Delta Dental and vision coverage.
• Company-sponsored basic life insurance and short-term disability.
• Voluntary life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability available.
• Competitive 401(k) with company matching.
• Generous PTO and 10 paid holidays.
• Company giveaways, family picnics, and other events.

A pre-employment and 9-panel (no THC) drug screen is required.