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Plastic Injection Mold Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Junior Mold Maker

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

PM Mold Company is a full-service mold manufacturer and plastic injection molder, located in Schaumburg, IL. We supply custom mold manufacturing and injection molding services for a wide variety of ...

Junior Mold Maker

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

PM Mold Company is a full-service mold manufacturer and plastic injection molder, located in Schaumburg, IL. We supply custom mold manufacturing and injection molding services for a wide variety of ...

Junior Mold Maker

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

PM Mold Company is a full-service mold manufacturer and plastic injection molder, located in Schaumburg, IL. We supply custom mold manufacturing and injection molding services for a wide variety of ...

Showing results 21-40

Plastic Injection Mold information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$29

$37

How much do plastic injection mold jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection mold in Illinois is $29.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.78 and $32.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plastic injection mold?

Plastic injection molds are specialized tools used in the injection molding process to shape molten plastic into specific forms and parts. They are typically made from durable metals like steel or aluminum and are designed to withstand high pressures and temperatures. The mold consists of two main halves that come together to form a cavity, which is then filled with melted plastic and cooled to produce the final product. Injection molds are commonly used in mass manufacturing of plastic components for industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic injection mold technician?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Mold Technician, you need a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and experience with mold setup and maintenance, often supported by technical training or an associate degree. Familiarity with CNC machines, injection molding equipment, and quality control systems, as well as certifications like RJG or Paulson, is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for addressing production challenges and ensuring consistent quality. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining efficient production, minimizing defects, and meeting safety and quality standards in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic injection mold technicians on the job?

Plastic injection mold technicians often encounter challenges related to maintaining precise quality standards, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and minimizing production downtime. Adjusting machine settings to accommodate different mold designs and materials can require strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Additionally, technicians frequently collaborate with engineers and production teams to resolve defects and optimize manufacturing processes, making communication skills important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Mold vs Plastic Mold Technician?

AspectPlastic Injection MoldPlastic Mold Technician
Primary RoleDesign, develop, and manufacture plastic molds for injection molding processesOperate, troubleshoot, and maintain plastic molds during production
Required SkillsCAD design, mold fabrication, material selectionMachine operation, mold setup, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, mold shopsInjection molding facilities, production lines
CertificationsOften requires technical certifications in mold design or manufacturingMachine operation certifications, safety training

While a Plastic Injection Mold focuses on designing and creating molds, a Plastic Mold Technician operates and maintains these molds during production. Both roles are essential in the injection molding industry, with overlapping skills but distinct responsibilities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Plastic Injection Mold jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Plastic Injection Mold job openings:

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Mold job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,910 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Validation Engineer - Injection Molding

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build, run, and approve IQ/OQ/PQ protocols for injection molding equipment, automation, and manufacturing processes

  • Lead validation for new product introductions, equipment installs, process transfers, and manufacturing changes

  • Validate the full molding process, including process windows, machine qualification, tooling, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems


Job description

Validation Engineer – Injection Molding
 

Own the Validation Behind Every Part That Ships

If a molded part fails downstream, it traces back to validation — and that's exactly where you'd sit in this role. We're looking for a hands-on Validation Engineer who knows plastic injection molding inside and out, ready to lead equipment, process, and manufacturing validations in a regulated environment where the work you sign off on actually matters.

You'll be the technical bridge between Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Automation — driving IQ/OQ/PQ protocols from first draft to final approval, and making sure new and existing molding processes hold up to real quality and regulatory scrutiny.

What You'll Own

  • Build, run, and approve IQ/OQ/PQ protocols for injection molding equipment, automation, and manufacturing processes
  • Lead validation for new product introductions, equipment installs, process transfers, and manufacturing changes
  • Validate the full molding process — process windows, machine qualification, tooling, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems
  • Run risk assessments using FMEA and other structured risk tools
  • Dig into validation failures, process deviations, and nonconformances, then drive corrective actions that actually stick
  • Turn process capability and statistical data into decisions that make manufacturing more robust
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to dial in molding parameters, cycle times, and overall process performance
  • Support mold qualifications, process characterization, and production readiness
  • Own the paper trail — validation reports, technical documentation, protocols, and supporting engineering records
  • Participate in FAT/SAT activities when equipment calls for it
  • Keep validation documentation aligned with FDA, ISO 13485, GMP, and internal quality standards
  • Support CAPA investigations, change control, and regulatory audits
  • Work cross-functionally across Engineering, Quality, Production, Tooling, Automation, and Regulatory Affairs

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field
  • 3+ years of validation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Hands-on experience validating plastic injection molding processes and equipment
  • Solid grasp of IQ/OQ/PQ methodology and validation lifecycle documentation
  • Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, and process development
  • Familiarity with scientific molding principles and process optimization
  • Comfort with statistical analysis tools and process capability studies
  • Working knowledge of PFMEA/FMEA risk methodologies
  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills

Nice to Have

  • Medical device, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience
  • Experience with automated equipment, robotics, vision systems, or PLC-controlled systems
  • Knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, GMP, and GAMP guidance
  • Injection mold qualification, tooling validation, or mold transfer experience
  • Cleanroom manufacturing exposure
  • CAPA, NCR investigation, or change control experience
  • Working knowledge of Minitab or similar statistical software

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.