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Plastic Injection Mold Designer Jobs in Illinois

Mold Maintenance Technician

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$28.93 - $30.28/hr

Ability to use 3D software to review mold designs/components ( preferred ) * Performs other duties ... Solid understanding of plastic injection mold maintenance * Understanding of injection mold hot ...

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URGENTLY HIRING 2 Positions Moldmaker/Jr Moldmaker Plastic Injection Molds www.arcmold.com Join ARC Industries, Inc. Use your skills to create products for the Electrical, Medical and Household ...

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Be Seen First

URGENTLY HIRING 2 Positions Moldmaker/Jr Moldmaker Plastic Injection Molds www.arcmold.com Join ARC Industries, Inc. Use your skills to create products for the Electrical, Medical and Household ...

New

$25 - $29.75/hr

Mold setups and teardowns, machine startups/shutdowns, assist with maintenance duties, and ... Required Qualifications: * 2-5 years of experience in plastic injection molding setup, processing ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Plastic Injection Mold Designer information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$32

$44

How much do plastic injection mold designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection mold designer in Illinois is $32.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.99 and $40.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Mold Designer vs Plastic Mold Maker?

AspectPlastic Injection Mold DesignerPlastic Mold Maker
CredentialsTechnical degree or certification in mold design or engineeringTechnical training or apprenticeship in mold fabrication
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, collaboration with engineersManufacturing floor, machining, assembly of molds
Primary ResponsibilitiesDesigning mold components and layoutsBuilding and assembling molds based on designs

While both roles are essential in plastic injection molding, the Plastic Injection Mold Designer focuses on creating detailed mold designs using CAD software, whereas the Plastic Mold Maker physically constructs and assembles the molds based on those designs. The designer emphasizes planning and technical drawings, while the maker specializes in fabrication and assembly processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Injection Mold Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Mold Designer, you need strong CAD proficiency, knowledge of mold design principles, materials science, and a background in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as experience with manufacturing processes, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for creating efficient, cost-effective molds that meet client specifications and ensure high-quality production.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Injection Mold Designers in coordinating with manufacturing and engineering teams?

Plastic Injection Mold Designers often face challenges when translating design concepts into manufacturable molds that meet both engineering specifications and production efficiency goals. Effective communication with manufacturing and engineering teams is crucial, as design revisions may be needed to address issues like part tolerances, material selection, or tooling limitations. Designers must balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that molds are robust, cost-effective, and producible within the project's constraints. Regular collaboration and feedback loops help resolve potential conflicts and result in higher-quality outcomes.

What does a Plastic Injection Mold Designer do?

A Plastic Injection Mold Designer is responsible for creating the detailed designs and specifications for molds used in the plastic injection molding process. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop precise molds that ensure the efficient and accurate production of plastic parts. Their work involves understanding material properties, manufacturing processes, and collaborating with engineers and machinists to troubleshoot and improve mold designs. This role is crucial in industries like automotive, consumer goods, and medical devices where high-quality plastic components are required.
Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Mold Designer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,316 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Mold Maintenance Technician

J L CLARK INC

Rockford, IL โ€ข On-site

$28.93 - $30.28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

The Mold Maintenance Technician keeps injection molds in working order so production can run safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.ย 

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Key Responsibilities

  • Disassemble, clean, inspect, lubricate, repair and reassemble injection molds
  • Work with Process Technicians and team to diagnose/troubleshoot problems
  • Assist with maintaining spare part inventory
  • Detailed documentation of completed work orders
  • Safely operate overhead crane to position molds
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings
  • Contribute ideas for continuous improvement of tool life and work environment
  • Requires lifting/pushing/pulling of objects weighing up to 60 pounds
  • Ability to perform duties without supervision
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with all team members
  • Comply with all written and verbal safety procedures
  • Comply with our protective personal equipment policy
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment
  • Ability to use 3D software to review mold designs/components (preferred)
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support production, quality, safety, and operational needs.

Safety, Housekeeping & Teamwork

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area at all times.
  • Participate in internal quality audits or meetings as required.
  • Communicate effectively with teams and supervisors regarding quality, production flow, and issues requiring attention.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts within the Plastics Department.
  • Serve as a primary resource for new and existing team members, providing guidance, answering questions and reinforcing safe work practices.
  • Act as a designated job shadowing partner for new employees; ensuring proper application of procedures and safety standards.

Education, Training & Experience:

  • Education equivalent to vocation or high school diploma
  • Solid understanding of plastic injection mold maintenance
  • Understanding of injection mold hot runner system maintenance (preferred)
  • Understanding of high volume, high cavity injection molds (preferred)

special equipment or other requirements

  • Ability to use precision hand tools and measuring equipment
  • Ability to use grinders, mills and lathes
  • Ability to polish molding surfaces on steel

Relationships:

Tool Room, Mold Set-Up, Machine Maintenance, Electricians, Engineering, R&D

Supervisory RESPONSIBILITIES: None

Supervised By: Plastics Tooling/Project Manager

Education, Training & Experience:ย 

  1. Education equivalent to vocational or high school diploma.
  2. Experience with and/or a solid understanding of plastic injection molds and auxiliary automation equipment.
  3. Capable of reading and interpreting engineering drawings and schematics.