Injection Molding Machine Operator Jobs in California

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions while driving responsible practices for a more sustainable future. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are committed to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer care. As a global injection molding manufacturer, we produce durable waste and recycling carts and reusable packaging systems designed to reduce environmental impact. Our culture is hands-on, team-oriented, and focused on growth, making Schaefer Plastics a great place to build a long-term career.

Job Summary

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and facility systems. This role requires strong mechanical and technical ability, with experience or aptitude in electrical systems, hydraulics, robotics, automation, and computerized maintenance systems.

Schedule: Overnight 2-2-3 rotating schedule, 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.

Job Duties

• Troubleshoot and repair injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and related systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance according to established schedules.
• Complete assigned work orders using a computerized preventive maintenance system.
• Assist with mold changes on injection molding machines.
• Operate shop equipment, including milling machines, band saws, drill presses, lathes, welders, concrete drills, torches, electrical testers, and other maintenance tools.
• Use a variety of powered and non-powered hand tools.
• Operate overhead cranes in accordance with OSHA and company safety requirements.
• Monitor and maintain facility services, including water, compressed air, and electrical supply.
• Identify and communicate the need for spare or replacement parts.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures, including lockout/tagout, fall protection, PPE, and other company safety standards.
• Support housekeeping, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the facility.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of injection molding maintenance experience preferred.
• Completion of a maintenance training program may be considered in place of direct experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial maintenance, plastics, or related technical environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• The ability to navigate and close out work orders properly in a CMMS system
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and robotic systems.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance systems.
• Ability to read and interpret operating instructions, maintenance manuals, procedure manuals, diagrams, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to obtain forklift and aerial lift certification.
• Ability and willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, vibration, and work at heights.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, see, hear, and use hands to handle tools, parts, and equipment.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds.

Applicant Data & Privacy Notice: Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC collects and uses the personal information you provide during the application and recruiting process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you, schedule interviews, make hiring decisions, and, if selected, complete offer and onboarding activities. Applicant information may include your resume, contact information, work history, education, skills, interview notes, references, and other information you choose to provide or that is needed for the position. Please do not submit sensitive personal information irrelevant to the role, such as Social Security numbers, banking information, medical information, copies of identification, or other unnecessary personal documents, unless specifically requested at the appropriate stage of the hiring process. Your information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know for recruiting and hiring purposes, such as Human Resources, recruiters, hiring managers, interview participants, and approved service providers or systems used in the recruiting process. Applicant information will not be forwarded to other departments, locations, or legal entities, or considered for unrelated future openings unless permitted by law or you have provided the required consent. Applicant records will be retained only as long as necessary for recruiting, legal, compliance, and recordkeeping purposes, and then deleted or destroyed in accordance with applicable retention requirements. If we would like to keep your information on file for future opportunities, we will request your consent where required. Questions about how applicant data is handled may be directed to Human Resources or to the appropriate SSI SCHAEFER data protection contact.

Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.