Plastics Technician

Flexicon Plastics; Avondale; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Flexicon Plastics in New Zealand is seeking an experienced operator to join our plastics production team. You will perform mould changes, machine setups and changeovers, and optimise extrusion blow moulding processes to deliver quality parts efficiently.

You will read technical drawings, troubleshoot issues, and implement process improvements while ensuring safety and high standards. The role involves working with various moulding equipment and polymers, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in plastics manufacturing.
• Proven extrusion blow moulding process setup and optimisation experience.
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting abilities.
• Experience performing mould changes independently.
• Understanding of common polymers (HDPE, LDPE, PP).

Responsibilities

• Perform mould changes, machine setups, and production changeovers safely and efficiently.
• Install and remove moulds, dies, blow pins, inserts, cooling circuits, and ancillary equipment.
• Set and optimise machine parameters including barrel, die, and mould temperatures, injection/ extrusion profiles, blow pressures and timings, and cycle times.
• Conduct machine start-ups and shutdowns per SOPs.
• Monitor and optimise machine performance, productivity, and product quality.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and material usage.
• Develop and document best-practice machine settings and process standards.
• Diagnose processing issues (black specks, contamination, flash, short shots, warpage, defects).
• Perform first-off approvals and process verification checks.
• Provide technical guidance to machine operators and production staff.

Skills

Blow moulding setup

Troubleshooting

Reading technical drawings

Quality and safety

Process optimisation

Mould changes

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Mechanical engineering qualification

Trade qualification

Equivalent industry experience

Tools

Bekum

Uniloy

Kautex

Jomar

Aoki

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Perform mould changes, machine setups, and production changeovers safely and efficiently

Install and remove moulds, dies, blow pins, inserts, cooling circuits, and ancillary equipment

Set and optimise machine parameters including barrel, die, and mould temperatures, injection and extrusion profiles, blow pressures and timings, cooling and cycle times, clamp settings, material feed systems, and parison programming and alignment

Conduct machine start-ups and shutdowns in accordance with standard operating procedures

Monitor and optimise machine performance, productivity, and product quality

Identify opportunities to reduce scrap and rework, cycle times, downtime, and material consumption

Develop and document best-practice machine settings and process standards

Diagnose and resolve moulding and processing issues including black specks, contamination, flash, short shots, weight variation, surface defects, sink marks, warpage, and dimensional inconsistencies

Perform first-off approvals and process verification checks

Provide technical guidance and support to machine operators and production staff

About you

Minimum 3 years' experience in plastics manufacturing

Proven experience in extrusion blow moulding process setup and optimisation

Strong troubleshooting and fault-finding ability

Experience performing mould changes independently

Sound understanding of plastics materials including HDPE, LDPE, PP, and other common polymers

Strong mechanical aptitude and technical problem-solving skills

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and production documentation

Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement

Desirable: Mechanical Engineering qualification, trade qualification, or equivalent industry experience

Desirable: Experience with Bekum, Uniloy, Kautex, Jomar, Aoki, or similar moulding equipment