Senior Mold Maker

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Senior Mold Maker reports to the Tooling Manager and plays a critical role in maintaining the performance, reliability, and longevity of our plastic injection molds.

This position is responsible for manufacturing, modifying, maintaining, and repairing precision injection molds to meet production and quality requirements. The successful candidate will have advanced mold-making knowledge, excellent troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work with both existing tooling and new mold designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, repair, and modify precision plastic injection molds, including Class 100 tooling.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mold and tooling issues to minimize production downtime.
• Perform precision mold repairs, fitting, spotting, polishing, stoning, and assembly.
• Manufacture replacement mold components and tooling from raw materials using precision machining techniques.
• Operate manual mills, lathes, and other conventional mold-making equipment.
• Set up and adjust machinery and equipment used in mold manufacturing and repair.
• Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and 3D models.
• Troubleshoot and repair older or legacy molds, including reverse engineering components when drawings or documentation are unavailable.
• Inspect molds and components using precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and overall quality.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production to evaluate tooling designs, recommend improvements, and resolve molding issues.
• Participate in mold design reviews and discussions involving new tooling, modifications, and repairs.
• Support improvements in tooling processes, equipment, and mold maintenance efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to less-experienced machinists and tooling personnel.
• Maintain accurate communication regarding tooling conditions, repairs, project progress, and potential production delays.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following company policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in plastic injection mold making, maintenance, and repair, preferably in a senior-level role.
• Advanced knowledge of precision machining, mold construction, mold components, and tooling repair techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex mold problems and perform precision repairs independently.
• Strong experience operating manual mills, lathes, and other conventional machine shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and 3D models.
• Experience working with older molds and performing reverse engineering when documentation is limited or unavailable.
• Proficiency using micrometers, indicators, gauge blocks, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Strong understanding of machining mathematics, geometry, tolerances, and precision measurements.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, CAM software, and basic CNC programming concepts.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and mechanical problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, file management, and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 or more years of experience in plastic injection mold making, particularly with Class 100 molds.
• Additional experience in Tool and Die Making.
• Experience with SolidWorks and SolidCAM.
• Trade school or vocational training in Mold Making, Tool and Die, or Precision Machining.
• Certified Mold Maker or Mold Maker Level III credentials.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other machinists or mold technicians.