Injection Line Operator

Intraplas Packaging; Van Wert (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Intraplas Packaging in Van Wert, Ohio seeks an Injection Molding Operator to operate and monitor injection molding equipment to produce high-quality plastic products. Responsibilities include machine setup, performance monitoring, and quality assurance.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, experience with injection molding, and ability to work flexible schedules. Join a permanent role in a solid and innovative company with competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in plastics or injection molding is a plus.
• Previous experience in operating injection molding equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of plastics processing, molds, and production environments is valued.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate injection molding machines according to production specifications.
• Monitor machine performance and process parameters.
• Conduct regular inspections of the injection molding process.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and company policies.
• Monitor production metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Flexibility to adapt

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training in plastics or injection molding

Tools

Production tracking systems

Job description

Operate and monitor injection molding equipment to produce high-quality plastic products, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, hygiene, and production standards. Contribute to efficient operations, minimize downtime and waste, and support continuous improvement in the injection process.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate injection molding machines according to production specifications, work instructions, and production planning.
• Monitor machine performance and process parameters, adjusting settings when required to maintain product quality and production output.
• Ensure molds, tools, raw materials, and auxiliary equipment are correctly prepared and available for smooth operation.
• Start, stop, and monitor production cycles, ensuring stable operation and compliance with defined process conditions.
• Conduct regular inspections of the injection molding process to identify and resolve issues promptly.
• Support mold changes, material changes, and production changeovers, following internal procedures and safety requirements.

Quality Assurance

• Perform quality checks on injected products to ensure compliance with specifications, control plans and quality standards.
• Identify visual, dimensional, or functional defects and take appropriate action according to internal procedures.
• Record and report deviations, defects, or non-conformities to supervisors and quality control teams.
• Collaborate with the quality team to implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure proper segregation and identification of non-conforming products.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Conduct routine cleaning and basic maintenance of injection molding machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Perform first‑level troubleshooting of equipment, process, or product issues.
• Identify abnormal machine behavior, process instability, or equipment problems, escalating complex issues to maintenance teams.
• Maintain accurate logs of production, machine performance, interventions, and maintenance activities.
• Support preventive maintenance activities when required.

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all safety guidelines and company policies, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  
• Operate machines and equipment in accordance with safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and internal rules.
• Ensure the injection process complies with food‑grade, hygiene, and other relevant industry standards when applicable.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working area.
• Participate in regular safety training and contribute to a safe working environment.

Process Optimization

• Monitor production metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Assist in the implementation of best practices and process improvements in injection molding operations.
• Collaborate with team members to reduce waste, improve material utilization, and minimize downtime.
• Provide feedback and suggestions to improve machine performance, workflow, product quality, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and technical teams to meet production goals.
• Communicate effectively during shift changes to ensure continuity in operations.
• Report production issues, quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, or safety risks in a timely manner.
• Support teamwork and contribute to a positive and efficient production environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail to ensure product quality and process accuracy.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and supervisors.
• Problem‑solving mindset to address production, quality, and equipment challenges.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production targets.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing production demands, priorities, and schedules.
• Sense of responsibility and commitment to safety, quality, and operational discipline.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in operating and adjusting injection molding machines.
• Basic knowledge of injection molding process parameters, molds, raw materials, and production cycles.
• Basic mechanical skills for routine maintenance, cleaning, and first‑level troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with quality control procedures, measurement tools, and production documentation.
• Understanding of food‑grade or industry‑specific safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
• Experience with production tracking systems and documentation.
• Ability to identify common injection molding defects and support corrective actions.

Candidate Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in plastics, injection molding, or manufacturing is a plus.
• Previous experience in operating injection molding equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of plastics processing, molds, and production environments is valued.
• Physical ability to handle materials and stand for extended periods.
• Capability to work in shifts, including nights and weekends, as required.
• Basic computer skills for logging production, quality, and process data.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including shifts and overtime if needed.

Job Framework

• Permanent contract in a solid and innovative company.
• Competitive salary based on experience and performance.