1

Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator Jobs in Columbus, IN

Molding Process Technician-GTR

Edinburgh, IN ยท On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Train and assist machine operators. * Establish proper molding conditions including safety ... Injection molding machine setup and operation knowledge with Nissei, Cincinnati Milacron, and ...

Account Manager - Plastics

Shelbyville, IN ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/hr

Account Manager - Plastic Sales Position Overview Thunderbird Molding is a full-service custom injection molder offering injection molding, insert and over molding, as well as assembly, heat-staking ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$11

$16

$21

How much do plastic injection molding machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection molding machine operator in Columbus, IN is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plastic injection molding machine operator?

A Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring injection molding machines used to produce plastic parts. They ensure machines run efficiently, troubleshoot issues, perform quality checks, and maintain a clean work environment. Operators may also adjust machine settings, replace molds, and inspect finished products for defects. Their role is essential in manufacturing industries that produce plastic components for automotive, medical, and consumer goods.

What does a plastic injection molding machine operator do during a typical shift?

As a Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator, your typical shift will involve setting up and monitoring injection molding machines, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing minor equipment maintenance as needed. You will often work on your feet for extended periods in a manufacturing environment and may rotate between day, evening, or overnight shifts depending on the employer. Teamwork is important, as you'll frequently collaborate with supervisors, quality control personnel, and other machine operators to meet production goals. Staying vigilant and responsive to machine alarms or quality issues is a key part of the daily routine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic injection molding machine operator?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator, you need a good understanding of machine operation, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-standard molding machines, quality inspection tools, and safety protocols, as well as certificates in manufacturing or machine operation, are often advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production runs, high-quality products, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What job categories do people searching Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs in Columbus, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs in Columbus, IN are:

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator job openings in Columbus, IN as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,181 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Injection Molding Process Technician

Edinburgh, IN โ€ข On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Injection Molding Process Technician

Full-Time

Edinburg, IN

Meet your Talent Advisor Desmond Nugent

A process technician is a multi-function role. Responsibilities include the start-up and processing of molding machines, robots, and auxiliary equipment, participation in sampling of new equipment, and troubleshooting processes as necessary to maintain function and quality. It is expected that a process technician be able to perform mold setter and machine operator duties as staffing and production demand change.

The main requirements are listed below and subject to change.

Injection Molding Process Technician Physical Duties/Requirements:

  • All necessary duties required to safely install molding equipment (see Mold Setter job description)

  • Following directions passed down from supervisor/management

  • Assist in samplings, continuous improvement, and other engineering projects

  • Use of hand tools and power tools to perform job function

  • Operating the injection molding machine controls

  • Prepare machine for production

  • Setting up robot positions

  • Advanced setup of hot stamp machines, label applicators, in-mold labeling (IML) equipment, robot tooling, material dryers, blenders, color carts, vibratory welders, and cooling fixtures

  • Perform quality checks

  • Debug robot/machine sequence program issues

  • Troubleshoot various process related issues with products (i.e., flash, burns, voids, warp)

  • Troubleshoot various issues with auxiliary equipment, robot tooling, and molding components

  • Use of a multimeter to troubleshoot electrical issues

  • Minor repairs on mold tooling (i.e., clearing out flash, cleaning vents, replacing fittings, etc.)

  • Minor repairs on the machine/auxiliary equipment (i.e., replace fuses, clean strainers, etc.)

  • Performing a line clearance

  • Use of purging compounds to clean out the machine barrel and mold.

  • Starting up and shutting down presses, water cooling, and air supply system

  • Operating a forklift

Injection Molding Process Technician Specific Knowledge Requirements:

  • Work safe knowledge of the equipment (i.e., crane movements, machine safety, electricity, etc.)

  • Ability to work as part of a team and/ or independently on a project without constant supervision

  • Understanding of fundamental injection molding processes going from pellet to part

  • Basic understanding of machine/robot sequence programming

  • Basic understanding of mold tooling

  • Understanding of water cooling and air supply system

Send resume to Desmond Nugent

#cthzjb #injection