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Plastic Injection Molding Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter - 12-Hour Night Shift Pay: up to $35/hr Shift: 12-Hour Night Shift | Full-Time | 2-2-3 Are you an experienced Injection Molding Technician or ...

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Position : 2nd Shift Foreman - Plastic Injection Molding Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 depending on experience Hours: 2nd shift: 3:45pm - 12:15am, overtime is required (training will be on 1st shift for few ...

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Plastic Injection Molding information

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How much do plastic injection molding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection molding in Illinois is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plastic injection molding?

Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce parts by injecting molten plastic material into a mold. The process involves melting plastic pellets, injecting the liquid into a custom-designed mold cavity, and then cooling the material until it solidifies into the final shape. This method is widely used due to its ability to produce high volumes of identical parts with complex shapes and fine details. It's commonly used in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, electronics, and medical devices.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Molding Technician, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with material properties, usually supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Proficiency in using injection molding machines, process control software, and quality inspection tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure the efficient production of high-quality parts, minimize downtime, and maintain safety and productivity on the manufacturing floor.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic injection molding technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Injection Molding Technicians often encounter challenges such as machine downtime, material inconsistencies, and maintaining product quality. Addressing these requires strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and good communication with maintenance and quality control teams. Proactively inspecting equipment, adhering to preventive maintenance schedules, and collaborating closely with engineers help minimize defects and ensure efficient production. Continuous learning and staying updated with new molding technologies also support long-term success in this role.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Molding vs Plastic Mold Designer?

AspectPlastic Injection MoldingPlastic Mold Designer
Primary RoleManufactures plastic parts by injecting molten plastic into moldsDesigns and develops molds used in plastic injection molding processes
Required SkillsMachine operation, material knowledge, quality controlCAD design, mold design, engineering principles
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, engineering offices
CertificationsMachine operation, safety certificationsCAD software certifications, engineering credentials

While Plastic Injection Molding involves the actual manufacturing of plastic parts, Plastic Mold Designers focus on creating the molds used in this process. Both roles are essential in the plastic manufacturing industry, with overlapping skills in engineering and design, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plastic Injection Molding jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Plastic Injection Molding jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 4% Contract, and 21% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,006 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter – 12-Hour Night Shift

Pay: up to $35/hr

Shift: 12-Hour Night Shift | Full-Time | 2-2-3


Are you an experienced Injection Molding Technician or Setter looking for a hands-on role where you can make an immediate impact? We’re looking for a skilled Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter to support molding and automated production equipment in a clean, modern manufacturing environment.


This position combines machine setup, process support, troubleshooting, mold changes, robotics, and preventative maintenance. You’ll play an important role in getting equipment running properly, maintaining product quality, and keeping production moving.


Schedule

12-hour night shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM


What You’ll Do

  • Set up and start injection molding machines and automated/robotic equipment
  • Load and verify approved molding parameters and production programs
  • Pull and set molds and perform mold changes
  • Perform color and material changes while maintaining proper traceability
  • Troubleshoot minor and moderate process and equipment issues
  • Respond to machine alarms and make adjustments to keep production running
  • Verify molded parts meet quality and production specifications
  • Perform visual inspections and support line clearances
  • Clean molds and equipment according to established procedures
  • Complete startup shots/batches and verify processes before production runs
  • Perform Level 1 TPM and preventative maintenance on molding, assembly, and auxiliary equipment
  • Complete production checklists, documentation, and quality records
  • Follow Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures
  • Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Work closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve issues and improve processes


What We’re Looking For

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Injection molding experience
  • Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills
  • Familiarity with robotics or automated manufacturing equipment is a plus
  • Basic computer and math skills
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems
  • Strong commitment to safety and following standardized procedures


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for approximately 90% of the shift
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, grab, and climb
  • Ability to work in a clean manufacturing environment with moderate noise


Why Join Us?

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants more than a traditional machine operator position. You’ll have the opportunity to set up equipment, work with injection molding processes and robotics, troubleshoot production issues, perform mold changes, and contribute to process improvements.


If you have injection molding experience and enjoy hands-on problem solving, apply today and take the next step in your manufacturing career.