About the Role
From the moment the first press heats up, youโre the person who keeps molds running safely, efficiently, and making great parts. You live on the production floorโhands on with tools, hot runners, and problem-solvingโso operators and process techs can count on you when minutes matter.
A day in this role might look like:
You start by answering a call for flash on a multi-cavity tool. You diagnose at the press, adjust, and get parts back to spec. Next, you pull a mold for a quick teardown, replacing worn pins and bushings, polishing critical surfaces, and confirming vents and parting lines are clean. A hot runner alarm later? You trace it to a failed thermocouple, swap it, verify wiring, and bring temperatures back in balance. Between emergencies, you log PMs and repair notes, brainstorm with Process Technicians and Quality about recurring defects, and prep for a new mold trial coming up on the APC line.
What youโll handle
- Troubleshoot press-side issues: flash, short shots, sticking parts, and cosmetic defects.
- Tear down molds for repair and preventive maintenance; clean, polish, lubricate, and replace components (pins, bushings, lifters, slides, ejectors).
- Diagnose and service hot runner systems: heaters, thermocouples, leaks, and wiring.
- Inspect cooling circuits, vents, and parting lines to optimize performance.
- Execute rapid emergency repairs to minimize downtime.
- Support new mold trials, startups, and process adjustments.
- Collaborate closely with Process Technicians, Operators, Quality, and Supervisors.
- Spot recurring tooling problems and recommend durable fixes or improvements.
- Keep PMs and repair documentation current and accurate.
- Maintain a clean, safe, organized workstation.
- Weld, machine, grind, burn, polish, and handwork damaged areas.
- Use CAD and manual measurements to reverse-engineer damaged details.
APC production support
- Be the go-to for APC tooling readiness to keep uptime high.
- Assist other production areas as needed to support overall plant performance.
- Contribute to APC program launch and ramp-up: tooling readiness, trials, and process stabilization.
Whatโs in it for you
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience and capability.
- Comprehensive benefits, including free medical/HSA coverage for employees earning under $75,000 annually who elect individual coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Generous paid time off and company holidays.
- No-cost weekly uniform service.
- Annual boot allowance for qualified safety toe footwear.
- Broad exposure to diverse molds and tooling challenges with continuous learning.
What you bring
- 10+ years of hands-on tooling experience in a plastic injection molding facility.
- Deep knowledge of mold construction and function; able to work on tools in the press under production conditions.
- Calm, decisive troubleshooting under pressure.
- Hot runner experience (DME, Husky, Mold-Masters, Synventive, or similar).
- Ability to read mold prints and understand construction.
- Mechanical aptitude with hand tools, precision measuring tools, and shop equipment.
- Independent contributor who thrives on a production team.
- 5+ years CNC mill programming and set-up.
- 5+ years G-code and CAD/CAM experience.
- Proficient with manual toolroom equipment (mill, lathe, surface grinder).
- EDM sinker and wire experience.
- Comfort using an overhead crane to handle molds.
Physical and shop environment
- Regularly lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
- PPE required: safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, and safety-toed boots.
- Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and work in tight spaces.
- Operate around hot molds, presses, cranes, and industrial equipment.
- Overtime or weekend work when production needs demand it.
- Hands-on 60โ80% of the time, with some desk and computer tasks.