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Plastic Injection Mold Maker Jobs in Madison, WI

Plastic injection molding automation. * High-speed and high-volume manufacturing environments. * Safety PLCs and machine safety systems. * Servo motion control systems. * Vision-guided robotics.MES ...

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Plastic Injection Mold Maker information

See Madison, WI salary details

$15

$30

$38

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection mold maker in Madison, WI is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.84 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic injection mold makers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Plastic Injection Mold Makers often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances, troubleshooting defects in molds, and working with complex designs. Managing these issues involves a strong attention to detail, effective use of precision tools, and collaboration with engineers and machine operators. Staying current with new materials and manufacturing technologies also helps Mold Makers address evolving production requirements and minimize downtime.

What does a plastic injection mold maker do?

As a plastic injection mold maker, your job is to operate and monitor mold machines. This involves setting the machine up, running it, testing molds to ensure they meet specifications, modifying molds as needed, and inspecting finished products. Plastic injection mold makers also use shop equipment and tools to finish molded polymers, perform maintenance on molding machines, select materials to use, and schedule jobs to meet quoted hours and delivery times. Mold makers often supervise assistants as needed, ensure the work area remains clean and free of obstructions, and report any problems to the supervisor. Some companies have plastic injection mold makers work in shifts with machines that are in use both day and night.

What does a plastic injection mold maker do?

A Plastic Injection Mold Maker designs, constructs, and repairs molds used in the plastic injection molding process. They work with detailed blueprints and precise measurements to create molds that shape molten plastic into specific parts or products. This role involves using various tools and machinery, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to ensure molds meet exact specifications. Mold makers also perform maintenance and modifications to improve mold performance and product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic injection mold maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Mold Maker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, precision machining skills, blueprint reading ability, and typically a technical diploma or apprenticeship in mold making or tool and die. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machinery, and various measurement tools is essential, along with certifications like Journeyman Toolmaker where applicable. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills to excel in this role. These competencies ensure molds are manufactured to exact specifications, supporting high-quality production and minimizing costly errors in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Mold Maker vs Tool and Die Maker?

AspectPlastic Injection Mold MakerTool and Die Maker
CredentialsTypically requires vocational training or apprenticeship, certifications varyRequires technical training, often apprenticeship, certifications common
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, mold shopsTool and die shops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsagePlastic molding, manufacturingMetalworking, stamping, manufacturing
Common Search IntentComparison for job roles, skills, and career pathsRelated manufacturing roles, tooling expertise

Plastic Injection Mold Makers and Tool and Die Makers share skills in machining and tooling, often working in similar environments. However, Plastic Injection Mold Makers specialize in creating molds for plastic parts, while Tool and Die Makers focus on metal stamping and die manufacturing. Both roles require technical training and are vital in manufacturing industries.

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Mold Maker job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,336 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Automation Engineer

NOVARES

Janesville, WI

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Novares rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Automation Engineer
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve automated manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining PLC, robotics, vision, and motion control systems while leading automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. The Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to implement innovative automation solutions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, program, and support automated manufacturing systems including PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo systems, and vision systems.
  • Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, startup, and validation.
  • Develop and modify PLC, robot, and HMI programs to improve equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
  • Support new equipment installations, automation upgrades, and capital improvement projects.
  • Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and process optimization.
  • Develop electrical control system architectures and review electrical schematics and machine designs.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings, programming standards, and operating procedures.
  • Monitor equipment performance and utilize data analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to maintenance and technician personnel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
  • Associate degree with significant automation engineering experience may be considered.5+ years of experience designing, programming, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk platforms.
  • Experience with industrial robotics including Fanuc, ABB, Wittmann, or similar systems.
  • Experience with HMI, SCADA, motion control, and vision inspection systems.Strong understanding of industrial networking including Ethernet/IP and related communication protocols.
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, control system layouts, and technical documentation.
  • Project management and capital project experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
  • Plastic injection molding automation.
  • High-speed and high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Safety PLCs and machine safety systems.
  • Servo motion control systems.
  • Vision-guided robotics.MES, IIoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

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