Setup Technician 2nd Shift CT

Job Summary:

The Set Up Technician is responsible for developing setting monitoring and optimizing injection molding processes to ensure safe efficient and repeatable production of high-quality molded components. This role plays a critical part in startup validation troubleshooting continuous improvement and supporting production teams to meet customer and operational expectations.

At PTA Plastics Set Up Technicians are hands-on problem solvers who combine technical molding expertise with data-driven decision-making and a strong commitment to quality safety and teamwork.

Shift: 3pm-11:30pm

Company Overview:

PTA Plastics an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding contract manufacturing and tool-building industry is looking for a Set Up Technician to join our dynamic team.

At PTA Plastics were more than just a manufacturer; we partner with Fortune 500 OEMs in the medical device defense homeland security and technology sectors constantly pushing the boundaries of product development and manufacturing excellence. As an employee-owned company every team member has a stake in our success creating a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation thrives.

Pay: below rates plus $2.00/hr shift differential

Entry Level: $21.86-$24.00

Mid Level: $25.00-$31.00

Max Level: $31.00-$40.00

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Process Setup & Optimization

• Perform mold setups startups and process validations.
• Establish and document robust repeatable molding processes.
• Develop and optimize process parameters (fill pack hold cooling recovery etc.).
• Conduct scientific molding studies (DOE decoupled molding gate seal etc.).
• Validate new tools and support IQ/OQ/PQ activities as required.
• Monitor cycle times and adjust processes to improve efficiency and reduce scrap.

Troubleshooting & Support

Diagnose and resolve molding defects (short shots flash splay warp sinks etc.).

Troubleshoot material tooling and machine-related process issues.

Provide floor-level support to Production and Quality teams.

Respond to process alarms and production disruptions in a timely manner.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to reduce scrap downtime and cycle time.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives and efficiency projects.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and CI activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance on corrective actions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate process documentation and setup sheets.
• Ensure processes comply with quality standards and customer requirements.
• Support internal audits and customer audits as needed.
• Follow ISO safety and regulatory requirements.

Team & Training Support

• Train Operators and Technicians on process awareness and defect prevention.
• Support cross-functional teams including Quality Engineering and Tooling.
• Mentor junior technicians as applicable.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or vocational training in plastics manufacturing or related field is a plus.
• 3 years of injection molding experience (Set Up Technician Process Technician or similar role).
• Strong understanding of injection molding fundamentals.
• Ability to read and interpret part prints and specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting common molding defects.
• Working knowledge of scientific molding principles.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with decoupled molding practices.
• Familiarity with ERP or production monitoring systems.
• Experience in medical tight-tolerance or regulated molding environments.
• Understanding of automation robotics or secondary operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand walk and move around the production floor for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools machine components and molds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses gloves and ear protection.
• Occasional bending kneeling and reaching to access equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
• Good vision and color perception for inspecting parts and identifying any defects or abnormalities.
• Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and withstand exposure to noise levels associated with manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to receive comprehend and utilize required training from OSHA and Company including but not limited to the following:
• Hazard Communication
• Lock Out/Tag Out
• First Aid and CPR (optional)

ITAR Requirements: To conform to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) applicants for employment at PTA Plastics must be a U.S. citizen or national lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e. current green card holder) or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1157-1158.

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance Statement

PTA Plastics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals including those with disabilities. As part of this commitment PTA Plastics complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Connecticuts Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA) which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in hiring job assignments promotions compensation benefits training and other aspects of employment.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of this position please contact . Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

IC