3rd Shift Process Tech

Job Description

Job Description

The Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician is responsible for setting up, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing plastic injection molding processes to ensure safe, efficient production of high-quality parts. This position requires strong technical knowledge of injection molding equipment, materials, tooling, and processing parameters.

The Process Technician is responsible for maintaining consistent production processes, minimizing scrap and downtime, resolving molding defects, and ensuring compliance with company procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Injection Molding Process Setup and Operation

• Establish, adjust, and maintain injection molding process parameters according to approved process documentation.
• Perform machine startups, shutdowns, and process changeovers.
• Verify proper machine settings, material requirements, mold temperatures, and auxiliary equipment operation before production begins.
• Monitor cycle times, pressures, temperatures, and other processing conditions to maintain consistent production.
• Ensure molding processes remain within established and approved operating parameters.
• Complete required startup checks and obtain quality approval before releasing production.
• Assist Mold Setters with mold changes and setup verification as needed.

Process Troubleshooting and Optimization

• Identify, diagnose, and correct injection molding defects, including short shots, flash, sink marks, burns, warpage, splay, and dimensional inconsistencies.
• Troubleshoot molding equipment, material, tooling, and process-related issues to determine root causes.
• Make appropriate process adjustments to improve part quality, cycle times, and production efficiency.
• Monitor scrap rates and implement corrective measures to reduce material waste.
• Identify recurring production problems and communicate recommended improvements to management.
• Work with Process Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Tool Room personnel to resolve technical issues.
• Document process changes and obtain required approvals before implementing changes outside established parameters.

Quality Control and Process Compliance

• Ensure molded products meet customer specifications, quality requirements, and approved work instructions.
• Verify correct materials, colorants, and processing requirements before and during production.
• Follow established startup, first-piece approval, and in-process inspection procedures.
• Respond promptly to quality concerns and take appropriate action to prevent continued production of nonconforming parts.
• Identify and properly segregate suspect or nonconforming materials and products.
• Maintain accurate process documentation, setup sheets, production records, and troubleshooting reports.
• Follow applicable ISO 9001 and IATF 16949:2016 quality management system requirements.
• Support corrective actions, continuous improvement initiatives, and quality investigations.

Equipment and Preventive Maintenance

• Inspect molding machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment for proper operation.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, abnormal operating conditions, and potential maintenance concerns.
• Communicate equipment issues promptly to Maintenance and management.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems within authorized responsibilities.
• Ensure proper operation of dryers, chillers, thermolators, robots, conveyors, and material handling systems.
• Support preventive maintenance activities and maintain clean, organized work areas.

Production Support and Efficiency

• Monitor production performance to ensure established cycle times and production targets are achieved.
• Minimize machine downtime through timely troubleshooting and effective communication.
• Coordinate with Shift Managers, Mold Setters, Material Handlers, and Press Operators to maintain production flow.
• Assist with prioritizing technical issues affecting production schedules.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance to Press Operators regarding machine operation and product quality.
• Communicate process concerns, equipment issues, and unresolved production problems during shift transitions.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to increase productivity, reduce scrap, and improve equipment utilization.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in plastic injection molding processing or a related technical manufacturing role preferred.
• Working knowledge of injection molding machines, molds, materials, and processing parameters.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot common injection molding defects.
• Understanding of processing variables, including temperature, pressure, injection speed, cooling time, and cycle time.
• Ability to read and interpret setup sheets, work instructions, production specifications, and technical documentation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately complete production documentation.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize technical issues, and respond to production needs.
• Willingness to work overtime or alternate shifts as required.

Performance Expectations

• The Process Technician is expected to:
• Maintain stable, repeatable injection molding processes.
• Minimize scrap, downtime, and unnecessary process adjustments.
• Follow approved setup sheets, work instructions, and quality procedures.
• Respond promptly and effectively to production and quality concerns.
• Maintain complete and accurate process documentation.
• Communicate unresolved issues and process changes to appropriate personnel.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, dependability, and accountability.
• Work cooperatively with production, engineering, maintenance, and quality personnel.
• Support continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Complete assigned responsibilities without repeated reminders or unnecessary supervision.

Additional Responsibilities

The duties listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned based on operational needs.