Plastic Processing Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Technician Lead – 3rd Shift
Job Description

This role leads 3rd shift processing operations in a clean, smaller molding facility, working from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with regular weekend overtime. You will oversee multiple plastic injection molding machines, support changeovers, monitor and optimize processes, and help guide other technicians while maintaining a highly detailed, cosmetic-focused production line.

Responsibilities

• Lead 3rd shift processing activities from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., including regular weekend overtime coverage.
• Oversee and run 3–8 molding machines every Saturday and Sunday as part of a rotating weekend schedule.
• Start up and shut down plastic injection molding presses using systems such as E-Dart and Insight, and operate end-of-arm tooling.
• Set up and adjust plastic injection molding processes, ensuring consistent quality and cycle efficiency across multiple presses.
• Perform one to two mold changeovers per week, including safe and accurate removal and installation of molds.
• Operate and monitor Arburg, Milacron, and Zhafir molding machines ranging from 66 to 770 tons, across approximately 30–35 presses.
• Navigate and operate robots on the production lines, including end-of-arm tooling, to support automated operations.
• Troubleshoot process, machine, and automation issues to minimize downtime and maintain stable production.
• Float between different areas on the floor to monitor processes, support other technicians, and respond to issues as they arise.
• Ensure assigned areas remain clean, organized, and free of rags, oil, and unnecessary tools or paperwork.
• Complete all required line and production paperwork accurately and on time for each assigned machine or area.
• Apply strong attention to detail to support a niche cosmetic product line, ensuring high visual and dimensional quality standards.
• Assist with resin handling only when needed, such as covering for absent team members, to support continuous production.
• Use blueprint reading skills to verify setups, parts, and processes meet specifications.
• Demonstrate supervisory and leadership capabilities by setting a high standard for safety, quality, and housekeeping on 3rd shift.

Essential Skills

• 8–10 years of experience as a Plastics Process Technician, preferably progressing from roles such as material handler or mold setter.
• 2–5 years of experience setting plastic injection molds.
• Experience starting up and shutting down plastic injection molding machines.
• 2 years of experience reading blueprints and using them to guide setups and inspections.
• Hands-on experience with plastic processing and plastic injection molding operations.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills in plastics processing and molding environments.
• Supervisory or lead experience, with the ability to guide and support other technicians on shift.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with complex molding and robotic equipment.
• Experience with robotics automation and end-of-arm tooling in a production environment.
• Ability to maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas while following established procedures.
• Strong attention to detail suitable for a niche cosmetic industry production line.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background as a material handler or mold setter that led to advancement into a full process technician role.
• Experience operating Arburg, Milacron, and Zhafir molding machines ranging from 66 to 770 tons.
• Familiarity with process monitoring tools such as E-Dart and Insight.
• Experience navigating and operating robots on production lines, including basic automation troubleshooting.
• Comfort working in a smaller molding facility undergoing floor reorganization and continuous improvement.
• Ability to complete production and line paperwork accurately and consistently.
• Willingness to work a rotating weekend schedule and support overtime as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a clean, smaller molding facility that is actively improving its operations and workflow, offering the opportunity to contribute to a company in the midst of positive change. Leadership is focused on reorganizing the floor for better efficiency and is eager to build a strong, engaged team. This environment suits individuals who take pride in helping a plant get back on its feet, value collaboration, and appreciate a workplace where their technical expertise and ideas can have a visible impact.

Work Environment

The role is based in a smaller plastic molding facility that is very clean and currently undergoing reorganization on the floor to improve workflow and efficiency. You will work on 3rd shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with regular weekend overtime and a rotating weekend schedule. The facility operates approximately 30–35 injection molding presses, including Arburg, Milacron, and Zhafir machines ranging from 66 to 770 tons, along with robotic automation and end-of-arm tooling. The environment emphasizes cleanliness and organization, with a strong focus on keeping work areas free of rags, oil, and unnecessary tools or paperwork. No PPE is required, and the setting supports detailed, cosmetic-focused production work that demands precision and attention to quality.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $64480.00 - $81120.00/yr.

Full Customer Benefits - Medical - Dental - Vision - Vacation

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 18, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.