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Plastic Injection Mold Operator Jobs in California

Ambrit Engineering - USA

Process Technician

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

We are a growing Southern California plastic injection molding manufacturer seeking experienced ... Can assist and coordinate daily activities of production workers engaged in operating plastic ...

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 ...

Westfall Technik

Mold Technician

Union City, CA

$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 ...

Partners Personnel

Plastics Process Engineer

Beaumont, CA · On-site

$77K - $80K/yr

Process Engineer - Plastic Injection Molding (Direct Hire) Location: Beaumont, CA Job Type: Full-time | Direct Hire 3PM-11PM Job Summary We are seeking a Process Engineer (Direct Hire) to support and ...

Kelly Services

Mold Maintenance Technician

Lodi, CA

In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and cleaning plastic injection molds to ensure they meet the stringent requirements of our production team. Shift: Monday-Friday Swing Shift 2 PM ...

pelican

Mold Setter I - 3rd Shift

Torrance, CA

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

Experience with plastic injection molding equipment preferred. * Basic knowledge of injection ... Experience operating Quick Mold Change (QMC) systems. * Experience supporting preventive ...

pelican

Mold Setter I - 3rd Shift

Torrance, CA

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

Experience with plastic injection molding equipment preferred. * Basic knowledge of injection ... Experience operating Quick Mold Change (QMC) systems. * Experience supporting preventive ...

pelican

Mold Setter I - 3rd Shift

Torrance, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

Experience with plastic injection molding equipment preferred. * Basic knowledge of injection ... Experience operating Quick Mold Change (QMC) systems. * Experience supporting preventive ...

pelican

Mold Setter I - 3rd Shift

Torrance, CA

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

Experience with plastic injection molding equipment preferred. * Basic knowledge of injection ... Experience operating Quick Mold Change (QMC) systems. * Experience supporting preventive ...

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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

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$24

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

As of Aug 14, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,352 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Process Technician

Ambrit Engineering - USA

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

We are seeking applicants with 2+ years of experience as a process technician in the plastic injection mold industry.

Shifts:

  1. (First Shift) 7:45am-4:15pm
  2. **(Third Shift) 11:45pm - 8:15 am (shift differential) **

Join a Growing Injection Molding Team at Ambrit Engineering!

We are a growing Southern California plastic injection molding manufacturer seeking experienced Process Technicians with strong troubleshooting, optimizing processes, and keeping production running efficiently.

This is a hands-on role with real growth opportunity in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Overview

The Process Technician is responsible to ensure the molding process is being run as per processing requirements. This position requires excellent troubleshooting and mold setup skills. Can assist and coordinate daily activities of production workers engaged in operating plastic molding equipment that produce plastic molded parts. This position requires interaction with the other Shift Supervisors and Mold Techs/leads, excellent troubleshooting skills, a thorough knowledge of the various equipment, resins and their characteristics.

What You’ll Do

  • Start up and troubleshoot injection molding presses
  • Optimize processes for quality, cycle time, and scrap reduction
  • Perform mold setups and process adjustments
  • Support production teams and operators during shift
  • Troubleshoot molding defects and equipment issues
  • Ensure presses run to approved process sheets and quality standards
  • Work closely with supervisors, mold techs, quality, and maintenance team
  • Support continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives

What We’re Looking For

Required

  • 2+ years of plastic injection molding process technician experience
  • Strong troubleshooting and mold setup skills
  • Experience with injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment
  • Ability to identify and correct molding defects
  • Knowledge of resins and processing fundamentals
  • Stable work history and team-oriented attitude

Preferred

  • Scientific molding experience
  • Lean Manufacturing / Kaizen experience
  • Six Sigma knowledge
  • Experience in ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments

Equipment You’ll Work With

Experience with any of the following is highly valued:

  • Toyo
  • Milacron
  • Toshiba
  • Arburg
  • Engel
  • Husky
Benefits
  • - 401(k)- Dental insurance- Flexible spending account- Health insurance- Life insurance- Paid time off- Tuition reimbursement- Vision insurance- Shift differential- Growth opportunity- We continue to grow!

Why Join Us?

Competitive Pay

Shift Differential

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Stable Full-Time Position

Career Growth Path

Growing Company with Long-Term Opportunity

RJG training

automation/robots

You should be proficient in:

  • Troubleshooting Skills
  • 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
  • Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
  • Production Optimization
  • Lean Manufacturing Principles
  • Six Sigma Experience
  • ISO 9001 Certification Experience
  • Injection Molding Experience
  • AS9100 Experience
  • Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Process Development

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Injection Molding Machine (Toyo, Milacron, Toshiba, Arburg, Engel, Husky, Nissei)