Injection Mold Set Up Technician (Process Technician)

At M&M Industries, we take pride in producing high-quality plastic packaging solutions that make a difference in everyday life. Our success starts with the people who make it all happen — from the production floor to our technical and engineering teams. The Process Technician is responsible for performing die, color, and material changeovers while starting up, maintaining, and optimizing injection molding machines. This role ensures that molding processes run efficiently, meet company quality standards, and achieve production targets. The Process Technician also supports troubleshooting efforts, assists with new mold trials, and maintains accurate records of process adjustments and results. Schedule: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (nights) — 2 on, 2 off, 3 on rotation  Key Responsibilities: * Follows all safety policies and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure a safe work environment. * Sets up and adjusts injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and tooling for production runs. * Monitors and optimizes molding processes to ensure consistent part quality and cycle efficiency. * Troubleshoots and resolves molding defects, process deviations, and equipment malfunctions. * Performs mold and material changeovers, ensuring proper setup, documentation, and communication with the team. * Maintains detailed records of process parameters, adjustments, and troubleshooting activities. * Uses a forklift and/or overhead crane to pull, change, or set molds safely and efficiently. * Maintains a clean and organized work environment in accordance with 5S principles. * Collaborates with the Engineering Team to develop samples for new molds and materials. * Performs machine testing, process validation, and assists in continuous improvement initiatives. * Utilizes knowledge of processing various grades of plastic to produce quality parts that meet customer expectations. * Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies (Knowledge/Skills/Abilities): * Proficient mechanical aptitude and understanding of injection molding processes. * Strong written and verbal communication skills. * Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. * Comprehensive understanding of Food Safety, GMP, PRP, and HACCP requirements as they relate to food-contact packaging (where applicable). * Basic understanding of decoupled molding (preferred). Education: * High School Diploma or G.E.D. (required) Experience: * Required years of experience may vary based on qualifications, skills, and level within the role. Licenses & Certifications: * Forklift Certification (required; in-house training provided) * RJG Training or Certification (preferred) Physical Requirements: * Work is performed in a manufacturing environment that may be hot or cold and requires PPE at all times (safety glasses, ear protection, etc.). * Ability to lift and handle 45–55 pounds. * Ability to perform work in standing or sitting positions as required. * Ability to work in tight or confined spaces.

JOB DESCRIPTION     JOB TITLE:  Mold Technician 1                                               FLSASTATUS: Non Exempt                         Mold Technician 2                         Mold Technician 3   REPORTS TO:  Supervisor, Manufacturing (Molding)     SUMMARY 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, perform 1st piece/last piece inspections and perform routine quality checks.  Responsible for ensuring that machines, molds and equipment are properly functioning and maintained.  Identify problems and perform basic troubleshooting, according to knowledge and work experience.  Duties will also include general housekeeping, visual production management and product flow, compliance to environmental and safety procedures and assisting with Operator/Utility tasks.   RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:   The fully trained and qualified Mold Tech is capable of completing the following tasks under general supervision: * Safely performing injection mold changes and machine start-ups in the proper sequence and within time standards * Complying with all SPI requirements for Personal Protective Equipment such as, but not limited to, hard hats, heat gloves/sleeves, steel toed shoes, eye protection, etc. * Performing lockout/tagout per requirements and safely operating equipment such as cranes, side load systems, hot runner controllers, etc. per standard work procedures. * Troubleshooting basic machine and equipment problems * Troubleshooting basic robot problems * Demonstrating basic knowledge of mold construction and function and is able to assist in the initial troubleshooting process * Performing basic Robot End-Of-Arm-Tooling maintenance and repair * Completing machine process adjustments, within prescribed limits, to ensure that product meets specifications * Identifying non-standard work and machine conditions that are potential safety concerns and taking appropriate action * Effectively communicating and advising on product and production concerns with peers on other shifts * Assisting the supervisor in managing shift activities and training of operators, utilities and other mold techs. * Completing daily production paperwork * Utilizing Summit Lean Manufacturing Systems principles to monitor inventory, schedule and run production * Following general housekeeping principles * Assisting with giving Operator/Utility breaks * Assisting, as needed, in the grinding of runners and scrap parts.   Training The Mold Tech position is a progressive position requiring diligent completion of training requirements over 3 levels and within prescribed time frames in order to achieve fully qualified status and remain in the position.   * Level 1 Side Load – Completed within 5 weeks of placement in position * Upon completion and under direct supervision, the Tech will: * Be able to safely perform a side load mold change and perform the basic quality tasks * Have completed the 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) * Upon completion and under direct supervision, the Tech will: * Be able to safely perform a top load mold change using a crane * Have completed the 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 the Level 1 Top Load (24 weeks after hire) * Upon completion and under general supervision, the Tech will: * Be able to safely and efficiently perform both side load and top load set-ups, meeting the time requirements and execution per the standard work procedure * Be able to do a full start-up, completing all required checks and documentation * Be able to do limited troubleshooting of the process and equipment and make adjustments if required * Have completed the 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) * Upon completion and under general supervision, the Tech will: * Be able to meet all the Mold Tech Level 3 requirements outlined above * Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 3               REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:   * Agreement to complete of 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) * Meet the physical requirements for the position * 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 torque wrench * Must be able to work around a magnetic field     TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS This position typically does not require any travel.   DISCLAIMER The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.  Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.