Hourly Injection Molding Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois

ECHO Incorporated is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance, professional-grade, handheld outdoor power equipment. With distributors and thousands of dealers across North and South America, ECHO is constantly anticipating the future of the outdoor power equipment industry and the need for environmental sustainability. Working for ECHO means joining a team of people who are committed to collaboration, innovation, creativity, and high-quality products that make us a globally competitive brand. 

ECHO Incorporated is hiring a Molding Process Technician II. The Molding Process Technician II is responsible for maintaining effective and efficient injection molding operations by ensuring process control, performing mold changes, troubleshooting molding processes, and supporting equipment start-ups. This position works closely with other technicians and production personnel to consistently produce high-quality parts while meeting safety, quality, and productivity standards.

3rd Shift: 10:45 PM – 7:00 AM | $28–$32/HR depending on experience + $2.50 Shift Differential + Yearly Bonus!

ECHO's Benefits included:

• 11 paid holidays
• Extremely affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• 5% 401K match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Yearly bonus potential
• Advancement and growth opportunities
• ECHO employees are also eligible for a $300 referral bonus when their referred employee completes 90 days
• Climate-controlled environment – heated and air-conditioned facility

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Maintain process control across all injection molding machines to ensure consistent production of acceptable-quality parts.
• Make necessary parameter adjustments within established process control limits to maintain quality and production standards.
• Work as part of a small team of approximately 2–3 technicians per shift to efficiently perform mold changes, with an average target mold change time of approximately 25 minutes.
• Perform complete mold changes without relying on separate setup or die-setter technicians.
• Set up end-of-arm tooling during mold changes.
• Make or learn to make necessary robot program parameter adjustments to support efficient equipment start-ups following mold changes.
• Perform start-up procedures for various injection molding technologies, including gas-assist molding, two-shot molding, high-cavitation molding, and automated insert molding.
• Develop the ability to start up, troubleshoot, and maintain all molding technologies used within the department.
• Troubleshoot molding process issues and identify appropriate adjustments to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Document critical process parameters for molding machines daily in accordance with QS and ISO control practices.
• Learn and effectively utilize ECHO’s material-handling system and the different resins used throughout the molding operation.
• Assist material handlers with material and color changes as required.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production environment in accordance with 5S standards.
• Lead by example on the production floor by demonstrating safety, accountability, efficiency, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an injection molding setup technician and/or process technician role required.
• Hands-on experience performing complete mold changes, machine start-ups, process adjustments, and troubleshooting injection molding processes required.
• Experience working with gantry-mounted robotics required.
• Experience with Sepro, Yushin, STAR, or similar industrial molding robots strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes and process control.
• Ability to perform complete mold changes and machine start-ups independently.
• Understanding of auxiliary process-control equipment and its impact on the molding process and cycle.
• Knowledge of water flow and temperature, resin drying, shear heat, screw design, and other variables affecting injection molding processes.
• Extensive knowledge of processing glass-filled nylon resins.
• Experience working with various resins, including PP, TPE, TPU, POM, HDPE, LDPE, GFPP, and CFPP.
• Ability to set up end-of-arm tooling and work with gantry-mounted robotics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and retain information related to a large number of molds, machines, processes, and custom applications.
• Ability to make sound decisions and troubleshoot issues in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience developing new molding processes and launching new molds is preferred.
• Experience programming or teaching industrial robots, including basic pick-and-place positioning, is preferred.
• Experience with gas-assist, two-shot, high-cavitation, and automated insert molding technologies is preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is helpful.

Work Schedule and Environment:

• Standard schedule is 8.5 hours, Monday through Friday.
• Periodic overtime is required to cover absences and PTO of other technicians.
• Work is performed in a fast-paced manufacturing and production environment.
• Position requires frequent interaction with injection molding machines, molds, robotics, auxiliary equipment, and material-handling systems.
• Must be able to work effectively in an accountability-driven environment while responding to changing production needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. intermittently.
• Ability to walk, bend, climb, crawl under machines, lift, use power and hand tools, and operate overhead cranes throughout a full 8-hour shift.
• Must be physically capable of working in non-traditional positions while completing mold changes, equipment setups, and troubleshooting activities.
• Must be able to safely perform the physical demands associated with working around injection molding machines and related manufacturing equipment.

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical education or training in injection molding, manufacturing, plastics technology, industrial maintenance, or a related field is preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants.

E-Verification:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.