Extrusion Blow Molding Process Technician

Cortina Plastics; Franklin Park (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Cortina Plastics in Franklin Park, IL, is seeking a skilled blow molding operator on the second shift (3:30 PM–11:30 PM). You will start up production presses, set temperatures, pressures and speeds, and perform rapid color and material changeovers to meet target speeds and quality metrics.

You will troubleshoot defects, conduct first-piece inspections with calipers or micrometers, and assist with preventive maintenance and mold changes.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in blow molding manufacturing.
• Hands-on Extrusion Blow Molding experience.
• Able to read technical manuals and work orders.

Responsibilities

• Set up presses safely and achieve target speeds.
• Execute color and material changeovers with minimal downtime.
• Troubleshoot machine/process issues to eliminate defects.
• Perform first-piece inspections and precision checks with gauges.
• Lead and coach operators; supervise mold changes.
• Record process changes and coordinate with QA.

Skills

Blow molding experience

Mechanical aptitude

Quality inspection

Reading technical manuals

Job description

What your day looks likeYou arrive at the line, review the handoff notes, and bring production presses online with a safe, accurate start‑up. As the machinery comes up to optimal speed, you fine‑tune temperature, pressure, and speed to hit quality targets right out of the gate. An urgent color change? You purge systems, clear material lines, and set up tooling so scrap stays low and uptime stays high. While primary operators step away for scheduled breaks, you rotate in to keep the flow uninterrupted.When a defect appears, you diagnose the root cause in real time—tweaking settings or addressing tooling so the issue is corrected immediately. You verify first‑article parts and conduct routine checks with calipers and micrometers, confirming parts match exact specifications. Between runs, you pitch in on preventative maintenance and mold/die changes and keep the area organized, safe, and audit‑ready.How you add valueStart up production presses safely and efficiently to meet target speeds and quality metricsExecute rapid color and material changeovers (purging, clearing lines, tooling setup) to minimize downtime and scrapProvide rotating floor coverage so operators can take planned breaks without halting productionTroubleshoot machine and process issues; adjust heat, pressure, and speed to eliminate defectsPerform first‑piece inspections and ongoing quality checks using precision gauges (calipers, micrometers)Assist with preventative maintenance and mold/die changeovers; uphold 5S and safety around equipmentLead and coach blow‑molding operators; ensure procedures are followed and skills advanceOwn mold changes, new job start‑ups, and assist with color swapsRecord process condition changes and partner with QA so part weights and colors remain in specReinforce proper PPE usage and cutting protocols throughout the shiftClean grinders and troubleshoot auxiliary equipment as neededCover breaks as necessary and communicate clearly with the next shift about any equipment or process concernsWhat you bring2+ years in blow molding manufacturing operating and setting up production machineryHands‑on experience with industrial large‑shot Extrusion Blow Molding (required)Strong mechanical aptitude; able to read and interpret technical manuals, work orders, packaging and quality instructions, and bills of materialSchedule, environment, and paySchedule: Monday–Friday, Second Shift, 3:30 PM–11:30 PMPhysical: Stand and work on your feet throughout the shift; lift up to 50 lbs; use cranes or forklifts to move heavier items; safely climb and maneuver around machineryEnvironment: Non‑climate‑controlled, high‑noise production and warehouse areas; appropriate PPE requiredCompensation: $24.00–$30.00 per hour + benefitsNote: This summary outlines primary responsibilities but may evolve; duties can be adjusted by the company as needed.