Hot Runner and Mold Maintenance Technician (Plastics)

Job Description

Job Description

Make molds run right—every shift

Own the uptime, safety, and quality of injection molds on the production floor. If you like fast-paced troubleshooting, meticulous repair work, and collaborating across operations, this role puts your skills to work where they matter most.

• Press-side troubleshooting of defects: flash, shorts, sticking, and surface issues.
• Planned and reactive teardown for repairs and PM.
• Restore and replace components: pins, bushings, lifters, slides, ejectors.
• Hot runner diagnostics: heaters, thermocouples, leaks, and wiring.
• Verify and optimize cooling, venting, and parting line conditions.
• Execute emergency fixes to quickly restore production.
• Prepare and support new tool trials, startups, and process changes.
• Partner with Process Techs, Operators, Quality, and Supervisors to resolve issues.
• Document all PMs and repairs; track recurring issues and propose improvements.
• Weld, grind, machine, burn, polish, and handwork as needed.
• Reverse-engineer damaged components using CAD and manual measurement.

• Provide direct tooling readiness for APC production to minimize downtime.
• Back up other production areas to sustain plant performance and efficiency.
• Participate in APC launch and ramp-up efforts, including readiness checks, trials, and process stabilization.

• 10+ years of hands-on tooling experience in plastic injection molding.
• In-press mold work experience in a live production setting.
• Expert decision-making under pressure; strong troubleshooting approach.
• Hot runner exposure with brands such as DME, Husky, Mold-Masters, Synventive, or comparable.
• Ability to read mold drawings and understand construction.
• Comfortable with hand tools, precision metrology, and shop equipment.
• Team-focused communicator who can also work independently.
• 5+ years CNC mill programming and set-up.
• 5+ years G-code and CAD/CAM experience.
• Proficient running manual toolroom equipment (mill, lathe, surface grinder).
• EDM sinker and wire experience.
• Experience rigging and moving molds with an overhead crane.

• Tool & Die, Mold Making, or technical trade certification.
• Precision micro TIG welding and A1 surface polishing.
• High-volume or tight-tolerance work (automotive, medical, consumer goods).
• Fusion 360 and/or SolidWorks familiarity.
• IQMS knowledge.
• HAAS CNC mill experience.

• Competitive hourly compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits, including free medical/HSA coverage for employees earning under $75,000 annually who elect individual coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous PTO and company holidays.
• No-cost weekly uniform service.
• Annual boot allowance for qualified safety toe footwear.
• Hands-on exposure to a wide variety of molds and tooling challenges for continuous learning.

• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.
• PPE required: safety glasses, high-visibility apparel, safety-toed boots.
• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and tight-space work.
• Work near hot molds, presses, cranes, and other industrial equipment.
• Overtime/weekends as production requires.
• Hands-on 60–80% of the time, with some desk/computer work.