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Plastic Injection Mold Operator Jobs in California

Westfall Technik

Mold Technician

Union City, CA · On-site

$40 - $47/hr

... plastic injection molds specifically). * Proficient in using manual and CNC mill/lathe and grinding machining equipment. * Experienced in operating welding(TIG) and EDM machines. * Experience in ...

Aerotek

Molding Technician

Oceanside, CA

$25 - $30/hr

Hands-on experience operating and setting up plastic injection molding machines. * Proficiency with production, packaging, and inspection tasks in a manufacturing environment. * Strong ...

New

NORMA Group

Mold Setter

Lindsay, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

Good knowledge of manufacturing practices, especially in plastics injection molding * Operate an industrial forklift Position Requirements * * Education: High School graduate * Three years of ...

Ambrit Engineering

Mold Maker

Santa Ana, CA

$45 - $48/hr

Strong understanding of injection mold construction and function. * Proficiency in blueprint reading and GD&T. * Experience operating CNC mills, manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and Wire EDM ...

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All JobsPlastic Injection Mold Operator JobsPlastic Injection Mold Operator Jobs in California

Plastic Injection Mold Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$24

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

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection mold operator in California is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Injection Mold Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Injection Mold Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and minimizing downtime during mold changes. To address these, operators should develop strong attention to detail, familiarize themselves with the machinery and mold designs, and communicate effectively with maintenance and engineering teams. Regular training and staying updated on best practices can also help operators quickly identify issues and ensure smooth production runs.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Mold Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with injection molding machines, quality control tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some roles may require certifications in machine operation or safety. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient production, minimizing defects, and maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

What does a Plastic Injection Mold Operator do?

A Plastic Injection Mold Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining injection molding machines that produce plastic parts and components. Their duties include loading raw materials, monitoring the molding process, inspecting finished products for quality, and troubleshooting any issues with the equipment. They may also perform routine maintenance and make adjustments to ensure efficient and safe production. This role is essential in manufacturing industries that require precise and high-volume plastic parts.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Mold Operator vs Plastic Mold Setter?

AspectPlastic Injection Mold OperatorPlastic Mold Setter
Primary RoleOperates injection molding machines, monitors production, and ensures qualityPrepares, installs, and adjusts molds in injection molding machines
Skills & CertificationsMachine operation, quality control, basic troubleshootingTool setup, mold maintenance, technical adjustments
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor, machine operationManufacturing floor, mold installation area
Industry UsageCommonly employed in plastic manufacturing plantsOften involved in mold setup and changeovers in similar settings

The Plastic Injection Mold Operator focuses on running and monitoring machines during production, while the Plastic Mold Setter specializes in preparing and installing molds. Both roles require technical skills and are essential in plastic manufacturing, but they differ in responsibilities related to machine operation versus mold setup and maintenance.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Injection Mold Operator jobs in California? For Plastic Injection Mold Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastic Injection Mold Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Injection Mold Operator jobs in California are:
Plastic Injection Mold Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Mold Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,352 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Maintenance Technician (Injection Molding)

SCHAEFER PLASTICS NA LLC

Lodi, CA • On-site

$30.50 - $37.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

JOB SUMMARY

The Maintenance Technician troubleshoots and repairs injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment and performs facility maintenance. A high level of electronics, hydraulics, robotics and computer skills are required.

***These roles will be overnight 2-2-3, 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM

JOB DUTIES

  • Operates shop equipment, including milling machine, band saw, drill press, lathe, welder, concrete drill, torch and electrical tester.
  • Uses a wide variety of powered and non-powered hand tools.
  • Operates an overhead crane according to OSHA requirements.
  • Assists with mold changes of injection mold machines.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs injection mold machines and auxiliary equipment.
  • Monitors and maintains facility services, such as water, compressed air, and electric supply.
  • Performs preventive maintenance according to prescribed schedule.
  • Completes assigned work orders as directed, utilizing a computer generated PM system.
  • Identifies and communicates the need for spare or replacement parts.
  • Performs all job duties in accordance with safety rules and procedures, including, but not limited to: lockout/tagout, fall protection and personal protective equipment (PPE)


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1-2 years of injection molding maintenance experience or completion of maintenance training program


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and technical skills
  • Ability to diagnose electrical and electronic systems
  • Basic computer skills using Microsoft Office
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to obtain forklift and aerial lift certification
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents, such as operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
  • Ability and willingness to work a flexible work schedule (including 12-hour rotating day/night shifts) and overtime hours


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Work is performed in a manufacturing environment where there is exposure to moderate to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, vibration and working in high places
  • Ability to stand stationary for extended periods, walk, use hands to finger, handle and/or feel objects, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk see and hear
  • Ability to push, pull, lift, carry or otherwise move 50 lbs.

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.



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