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Plastic Injection Molding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mold Maker

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

Opportunity to work for a well-established automotive supplier with a strong reputation in plastic injection molding. * Hands-on role where you'll work on a variety of complex molds and tooling ...

Opportunity to work for a well-established automotive supplier with a strong reputation in plastic injection molding. * Hands-on role where you'll work on a variety of complex molds and tooling ...

Perform mold changeovers on injection molding machines in accordance with standardized work instructions, safety procedures, and production schedules. * Safely remove, transport, install, align, and ...

Technical certificate or coursework in plastics technology, manufacturing, or mechanical systems * Exposure to injection molding machine interfaces (e.g., Arburg, Engel, or similar) * Starting Hourly ...

Optimize injection molding processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). * Analyze process and manufacturing data to improve capability ...

... on plastic injection molding processes, tooling, automation, and process optimization. This role is responsible for developing, validating, optimizing, and sustaining molding processes and ...

... on plastic injection molding processes, tooling, automation, and process optimization. This role is responsible for developing, validating, optimizing, and sustaining molding processes and ...

... on plastic injection molding processes, tooling, automation, and process optimization. This role is responsible for developing, validating, optimizing, and sustaining molding processes and ...

Molding Technician I

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$27.95/hr

Technical certificate or coursework in plastics technology, manufacturing, or mechanical systems * Exposure to injection molding machine interfaces (e.g., Arburg, Engel, or similar) * Starting Hourly ...

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Plastic Injection Molding information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do plastic injection molding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection molding in Virginia is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.48 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 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,861 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Our client, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking a Mold Maker to join their team south of Richmond, VA.
This is a hands-on position responsible for building, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting plastic injection molds while supporting production and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate enjoys solving technical problems, working with precision tooling, and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Build, repair, assemble, and test plastic injection molds to meet production specifications.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot tooling issues, making modifications and repairs as needed.
  • Perform preventative maintenance on injection molding machines and related equipment.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, machine manuals, and technical drawings.
  • Plan and execute tool shop setups, selecting appropriate materials, tolerances, and machining methods.
  • Work closely with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to resolve tooling issues and support new product launches.
  • Perform mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic PLC-related troubleshooting on molding equipment.
  • Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and adherence to company procedures.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of mold making experience in an injection molding environment.
  • Completion of a formal apprenticeship or technical training program preferred.
  • Strong experience with plastic injection molds, mold assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read blueprints, machine manuals, and hydraulic and pneumatic schematics.
  • Experience with electrical systems and schematics.
  • Basic Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting knowledge.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Automotive injection molding experience is preferred.
  • Basic SAP knowledge is a plus.
  • Self-motivated with excellent communication and organizational skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why Join?
  • Opportunity to work for a well-established automotive supplier with a strong reputation in plastic injection molding.
  • Hands-on role where you'll work on a variety of complex molds and tooling projects.
  • Collaborative environment with close interaction between production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.
  • Stable manufacturing environment with opportunities to apply your technical expertise and contribute to process improvements.
  • Play a key role in supporting production uptime, tooling reliability, and the success of new manufacturing projects.