Plastic Injection Operator

Machine Operator

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining automated equipment in a state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim and plastic injection molding facility. This plant is a new, small-scale, high-tech operation focused on producing automotive interior components. Operators ensure machines run efficiently, safely, and produce high-quality molded parts that meet customer and automotive standards.

Required Job Duties:

• Operate and monitor plastic injection molding machines and automated soft-trim equipment to produce parts according to specifications.
• Perform machine start-ups, shutdowns, and basic adjustments as needed to maintain operation.
• Remove finished parts and perform trimming or secondary operations.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections using gauges, calipers, and templates.
• Document production counts and inspection results accurately.
• Follow all required safety procedures, PPE guidelines, and lockout/tagout practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation following 5S principles.
• Perform basic equipment cleaning, clearing jams, and assisting maintenance or technicians when needed.
• Report equipment or quality issues to Supervisors promptly.
• Work collaboratively with the Plant Manager, Supervisors, Quality, and Maintenance teams to meet production goals.
• Conforms to scheduled hours including overtime; complies with time and attendance policy
• Miscellaneous duties in support of production operations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2-3 years' experience in automotive manufacturing, operating soft trim equipment and or injection molding (or similar environment).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Familiarity with automated machinery and robotics.
• Ability to use measurement tools such as calipers and gauges.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative, team-oriented attitude.
• Must be reliable, have good attendance, and maintain a dependable and efficient work ethic
• Safety and Quality oriented.

Preferred

• Familiarity with automated machinery and robotics.
• Familiarity with automotive PPAP, APQP, IATF or ISO/TS quality requirements.
• Ability to operate forklift.
• Knowledge of plastic materials, molding parameters, and basic machine troubleshooting.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Work performed in a manufacturing plant with exposure to noise, heat, and industrial chemicals; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• Ability to walk, bend, reach, lift, sit or stand for extended periods, use small hand tools and lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with robotic and molding equipment.

Work Environment This environment includes molding presses, automated handling systems, robotic equipment, and inspection tools. The plant operates under automotive quality standards including IATF 16949 and ISO 9001