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Molding Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Performs mold setup using standard tools and procedures under supervision. * Familiarity with ... Certification or associate's degree preferred. * Entry Level and willingness to learn. The ...

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Occasional Saturdays based on production needs Babich & Associates is recruiting Process Technicians for a confidential plastic injection molding manufacturer. This position supports production by ...

Performs mold setup using standard tools and procedures under supervision. * Familiarity with ... Certification or associate's degree preferred. * Entry Level and willingness to learn. The ...

Associates degree or vocational certification in Industrial technology, plastics processing, or related field preferred. Experience in plastics processing, blow molding, injection molding and ...

Associates degree or vocational certification in Industrial technology, plastics processing, or related field preferred. Experience in plastics processing, blow molding, injection molding and ...

This is a great opportunity to further your existing skills as an Molding Process Technician I ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

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I.F. Associates is a small, well established manufacturer since 1977, located in the Central Jersey Shore area in the plastic injection molding industry. We specialize in creating high-quality ...

Experience as a Molding Technician, Composite Technician, Production Technician, Machine Operator, Manufacturing Associate, or Manufacturing Assembler is beneficial. * Background in composite ...

Injection Molding Manager

Lafayette, IN ยท On-site

$31.25 - $41.83/hr

Description We are seeking an experienced Injection Molding Manager for a direct-hire opportunity ... Associate Requirements * Bachelors * Background Check * Able to Lift 50 pounds * Drug Test * Must ...

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I.F. Associates is a small, well established manufacturer since 1977, located in the Central Jersey Shore area in the plastic injection molding industry. We specialize in creating high-quality ...

Injection Molding Technician

Mebane, NC

$19 - $25.50/hr

High School Diploma, Technical Certification, or Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Plastics Engineering, or related field. * 3+ years of hands-on injection molding process experience.

Injection Molding Technician

Mebane, NC

$19 - $25.50/hr

High School Diploma, Technical Certification, or Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Plastics Engineering, or related field. * 3+ years of hands-on injection molding process experience.

Injection Molding Technician

Mebane, NC ยท On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

High School Diploma, Technical Certification, or Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Plastics Engineering, or related field. * 3+ years of hands-on injection molding process experience.

Showing results 21-40

Molding Associate information

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How much do molding associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for molding associate in the United States is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by molding associates, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Molding Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and working efficiently under production deadlines. Addressing these challenges typically involves staying attentive to detail, following standard operating procedures, and communicating promptly with maintenance or quality teams when issues arise. Staying up to date with training and collaborating closely with team members also helps ensure smooth operations and personal growth within the role.

What does a molding associate do?

A Molding Associate is responsible for operating and monitoring machines that mold plastic or other materials into specific shapes and products. They set up, adjust, and maintain molding equipment, inspect finished products for quality, and ensure production runs smoothly. Molding Associates often work in manufacturing environments and must follow safety protocols while troubleshooting and resolving minor machine issues. Attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are important skills for this role.

What is the difference between Molding Associate vs Molding Technician?

AspectMolding AssociateMolding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor, assisting in molding processesManufacturing floor, operating and maintaining molding equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with molding tasks, prepare materials, monitor moldsSet up, operate, troubleshoot molding machines, quality checks

While both roles work in plastic molding manufacturing, Molding Associates typically assist with supporting tasks and basic operations, whereas Molding Technicians handle more technical responsibilities like machine setup and troubleshooting. The Technician role usually requires more specialized training but both are essential in the molding production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a molding associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Molding Associate, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with injection molding machines, basic hand tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills that help ensure efficient production and workplace safety. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and supporting overall manufacturing goals.
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Infographic showing various Molding Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,714 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Principal, Molding & Tooling Engineering

Alcon Laboratories Holding Corporation

Huntington, WV โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

This role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help deliver brilliant outcomes.

The Principal, Molding & Tooling Engineering (Science/Tech/Engineering Path) leads strategic and technical initiatives related to injection molding processes, mold/tooling design, and manufacturing optimization. You will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for molding and tooling, driving innovation, improving throughput, and supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and continuous improvement across global operations, including the design, development, and transfer (from R&D) of mold tooling and molding processes suited to part geometry, material properties, production volume, and cost efficiency, while troubleshooting molding issues, enhancing automation performance, implementing quality controls, and ensuring reliable production of molded plastic components.

Specifics Include:

  • Design and develop precision mold tooling and optimize injection molding processes for efficiency, reliability, and part quality

  • Lead and approve improvements and validations for injection molds, tooling support systems, and molding equipment

  • Provide technical guidance during mold maintenance, qualification, and machine/equipment troubleshooting

  • Investigate process issues, and implement advanced improvements in tooling design and manufacturing techniques

  • Define and optimize molding processes through capability studies, DOE, root cause analysis, and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ)

  • Oversee molding trials, process documentation, and assessments of raw material impacts on molding performance

  • Collaborate with crossfunctional partners to reduce defects, enhance mold performance, and elevate production throughput

  • Scout and evaluate advanced tooling technologies and auxiliary equipment to drive safety, efficiency, and cost savings

  • Recommend capital investments, support tooling standardization, and write capital justifications

  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) from concept through production ramp-up, managing timelines, risks, and cost targets

  • Partners with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and global teams to ensure robust solutions across the product lifecycle

  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians on best practices in molding, tooling, and process development

  • Ensure all tooling designs and molding processes meet regulatory, safety, and quality requirements for medical devices

  • Maintain documentation, change control, and quality compliance across internal and external systems

  • Uphold GxP requirements by following SOPs, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring rigorous quality control

  • Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)

  • The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English

  • 5 Years of Relevant Experience

  • Work Hours: Exempt: 40 hours per week: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM EST - 5:00 PM EST

  • Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

  • Location: Onsite

  • Relocation is Available

  • Sponsorship is Not Available

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

  • Degree in Engineering (Plastics or Mechanical Engineering strongly preferred but open to other disciplines)

  • Strong understanding of scientific molding principles

  • Proven experience troubleshooting and optimizing injection molding processes and equipment

  • Experience performing molding process validation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ)

  • Handson experience with hot runner systems and hot runner troubleshooting

  • Experience troubleshooting automation, including endofarm (EOA) tooling

  • Experience with process monitoring systems

  • Experience with contact and noncontact dimensional inspection

  • Industry experience in medical device manufacturing or other regulated environments

HOW TO THRIVE AT ALCON:

  • Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and learnings as work evolves!

  • See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities!

  • Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!

  • Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

Alcon Careers:

  • See your impact at alcon.com.careers

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

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ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.