Process Assistant/Mold Setter (Plastics Manufacturing)

Process Assistant / Mold Setter

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Summary

The Process Assistant / Mold Setter supports daily production within the Plastics Division by performing safe, efficient mold changes; preparing machines and auxiliary equipment; assisting with mold and hot-stamp setup; and supporting maintenance, safety, and production needs. This role involves working directly with injection molding equipment and plays an important part in keeping production running safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

The ideal candidate has prior experience working in or around injection molding machines, die setting, mold changes, or a similar manufacturing environment. This position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safe work practices, reliability, and the ability to work overtime and cover shifts as business needs require.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform mold changes safely and efficiently according to established procedures.
• Review production paperwork and schedules to ensure the correct mold and version are prepared before beginning a mold change.
• Set up auxiliary equipment needed for production runs.
• Verify that the correct end-of-arm tooling is selected, installed, and ready for production.
• Ensure mold preventive maintenance tasks are completed according to the scheduled dates and times.
• Assist with preventive maintenance on cart molds when needed and when other assigned mold PM work is caught up.
• Complete hot stamp die changes as required.
• Perform routine walkarounds throughout the shift to verify hot stamp equipment is properly supplied and prepared.
• Ensure the correct foil size is available on hot stamp machines, on the production floor, and on platforms.
• Stage extra rolls of foil at machines to support efficient changeovers.
• Maintain and complete preventive maintenance on hot stamp machines.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians with repairs to machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment.
• Assist the Safety Coordinator, Technical Manager, and leadership team in maintaining a safe work environment.
• Follow all company safety rules, policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Communicate equipment, mold, tooling, safety, or production concerns to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
• Provide shift coverage for coworkers when requested by the department supervisor or manager, except in cases of health or emergency situations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience working in or around injection molding machines, die setting, mold changes, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and willing to continue training.
• Must be willing to work all shifts for extended periods, based on business needs.
• Must be willing and able to work overtime as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and perform hands-on work throughout the shift.
• Ability to work around large injection molding machines, molds, auxiliary equipment, hot-stamping equipment, forklifts, production traffic, and moving mechanical parts.
• Ability to safely use tools and equipment required for mold setting, die changes, and production support.
• Must be able to follow all required safety procedures, including the use of required personal protective equipment.

Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to injection molding machines, molds, auxiliary equipment, hot-stamping equipment, forklifts, production traffic, and typical manufacturing noise levels. The role requires regular time on the production floor and may involve working in warm areas depending on machine operation and seasonal conditions.

Schedule and Overtime

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The employee must be willing to work assigned shifts, overtime, and shift coverage as required by business needs. Work schedules are subject to change based on production requirements, staffing needs, and management direction.

Applicant Privacy Notice Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC will use the information you provide as part of the application process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you about the position, and manage the recruiting and hiring process. Applicant information will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and retention requirements and shared only with individuals involved in the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Schaefer Plastics North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.