Molding Technician

Injection Molding Process Technician

The Injection Molding Process Technician sets up, operates, and optimizes injection molding machines and related equipment to produce high-quality plastic parts that meet strict specifications. This role performs mold changeovers, troubleshoots processing issues, conducts in-machine and equipment preventative maintenance, and collaborates closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve non-conformances. The technician also uses precision measuring tools to verify part quality and may help train other technicians on setups, startups, and troubleshooting best practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform injection molding machine setups for a wide variety of molds and machine types, ensuring parts consistently pass quality inspections.
• Ensure conformance to specifications by following tip sheets, tolerance deviations, part prints, and documented procedures.
• Set up and troubleshoot robots, part pickers, and end-of-arm tooling to support automated production.
• Mold first article parts as needed and verify they meet all dimensional and visual requirements before releasing the process to production.
• Continuously observe machine parameters during production runs, including temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times, to verify process consistency.
• Perform in-machine preventative maintenance on molds, including cleaning, greasing, and other tasks according to established protocols.
• Use precision inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, plug gauges, and scales to verify that parts meet tolerance requirements.
• Respond promptly to molding machine alarms, clear runners, and resolve processing problems and stuck-part issues to minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot and adjust molding parameters within defined tolerance limits to maintain quality standards and production output.
• Identify the root cause of molding problems and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate closely with Quality and Engineering teams to investigate and resolve non-conforming and defective product issues.
• Perform machine and mold preventative maintenance to support reliable, consistent production.
• Train or assist in training other technicians in mold setups, machine startups, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices as needed.
• Perform production, packaging, and inspection tasks associated with the injection molding process when required.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned by management to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in maintenance or similar work using tools and machinery related to plastic injection molding.
• Hands-on experience operating and setting up plastic injection molding machines.
• Proficiency with production, packaging, and inspection tasks in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for injection molding processes, including resolving alarms, stuck-part issues, and processing problems.
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate in English to follow documented procedures, current specifications, and complex work instructions.
• Ability to calculate ratios, unit-of-measure conversions, and surface area dimensions for machine tonnage settings.
• Solid understanding of machines and tools, including their uses and maintenance, particularly in an injection molding environment.
• Experience operating auxiliary equipment such as chillers and thermolators.
• Ability to use precision inspection tools, including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, plug gauges, and scales, to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Capability to lift and handle items of approximately 10 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Bilingual Preferred

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a loud, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working on a second-shift schedule and supporting overtime as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.
• Willingness to cross-train on multiple machines, molds, and processes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Proactive approach to preventative maintenance and process improvement.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, collaborative team in a long-term role with opportunities to grow your skills and broaden your experience across multiple machines and processes. The company supports cross-training so you can expand your technical capabilities and exposure to different aspects of production, including domestic and international shipping operations. You benefit from a stable manufacturing environment, the chance to take on increasing responsibility over time, and additional compensation for working second shift.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with loud machinery and typical industrial noise levels. The facility is not air-conditioned, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The position is scheduled for second shift, typically from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with a shift differential for working this schedule. Daily overtime may be available as needed, but is not mandatory beyond a standard eight-hour day. The work involves frequent lifting of approximately 10 pounds and regular interaction with injection molding machines, robots, auxiliary equipment such as chillers and thermolators, and precision measuring tools.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.