Injection Mold Maintenance Technician

PTI Tech; Clifton (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

PTI Tech in Clifton, NJ is seeking a Mold Maintenance Technician / Moldmaker Apprentice. This hands-on role starts with maintaining and preparing precision plastic injection molds for production, with growth into mold repair, assembly, and new tooling under experienced moldmakers.

You don’t need prior moldmaking experience; a strong mechanical aptitude, willingness to learn, and pride in quality work are key. Training will build core skills and advance your career in precision moldmaking.

Qualifications

• At least one year of hands-on experience assembling, maintaining, or repairing mechanical equipment, molds, dies, engines, or similar machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning how precision equipment works.
• Comfort using hand tools and basic measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers).
• Ability to follow instructions, drawings, checklists, and procedures.
• Safety-conscious with good organization and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, clean, and maintain precision plastic injection molds.
• Safely move, open, and support molds using cranes or hoists.
• Disassemble and reassemble molds, keep components organized.
• Perform preventive maintenance and document results.
• Assist with mold changeovers and production readiness.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Strong work ethic

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Cranes/hoists operation

Job description

Mold Maintenance Technician / Moldmaker Apprentice

PTI Tech | Clifton, NJ

About the Role

Are you mechanically minded, enjoy working with your hands, and like figuring out how things work? Looking to build a long-term career in manufacturing and precision moldmaking?

PTI Tech is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Mold Maintenance Technician who wants to develop their skills and grow into a Mold Maker.

You’ll start by helping maintain, clean, inspect, and prepare precision plastic injection molds for production. As you gain experience, you’ll have the opportunity to learn mold repair, assembly, troubleshooting, and new mold construction alongside experienced moldmakers.

This is a hands-on opportunity to learn a specialized trade, develop valuable technical skills, and grow your career. You don't need to be an experienced Mold Maker to be considered, but you should have a strong mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, and pride in doing quality work.

What You’ll Do

Mold Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance

• Clean, inspect, and maintain precision plastic injection molds.
• Safely move, open, and support molds using cranes, hoists, mold carts, and proper safety equipment.
• Disassemble and reassemble molds while keeping components organized and accounted for.
• Clean mold plates and components using ultrasonic cleaning equipment and other approved methods.
• Inspect mold components, including slides, lifters, ejector pins, seals, vents, and cooling circuits, for wear or damage.
• Perform routine maintenance, such as replacing approved seals, O-rings, springs, and fittings, cleaning vents and water circuits, and lubricating components.
• Complete scheduled preventive maintenance and accurately document work performed, inspection results, and any issues that need follow-up.
• Report damage or problems that require more advanced repairs.

Mold Changeovers and Production Support

• Help prepare molds for production and complete assigned mold changeovers.
• Change date and identification pins, swap cavities or inserts, and adjust mold configurations as needed.
• Verify that components are installed correctly and molds are properly reassembled before returning them to production.
• Work carefully to help minimize setup errors and keep production running smoothly.

Learn and Grow Into Moldmaking

• Work alongside experienced moldmakers to learn mold assembly, fitting, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Develop skills using hand tools, measuring instruments, and toolroom equipment.
• Learn mold construction, repair techniques, and basic machining through supervised hands-on training.
• Take on more advanced repair and new-tooling assignments as your skills and experience grow.

What We’re Looking For

• At least one year of hands-on experience assembling, maintaining, or repairing mechanical equipment, molds, dies, engines, or similar machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning how precision equipment works.
• Comfort using hand tools and basic measuring instruments, such as calipers and micrometers.
• Ability to follow instructions, drawings, photographs, checklists, and established procedures.
• Strong attention to detail when handling small, precision, or easily damaged components.
• Good organizational skills and a commitment to keeping tools, parts, and work areas in order.
• A safety-first mindset and willingness to ask questions when unsure.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

You don't need previous moldmaking experience to be considered. Experience in injection molding, a toolroom, industrial maintenance, mechanical assembly, or a technical training program is helpful, but we’re most interested in finding someone with the right mechanical skills, work ethic, and desire to learn.

Skills That Are a Plus

• Experience working with plastic injection molds.
• Familiarity with hot runners, valve gates, slides, and lifters.
• Experience with ultrasonic cleaning equipment.
• Experience operating cranes or hoists and safely handling heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance, rigging, or lockout/tagout procedures.

Training will be provided to help you develop the skills needed for the role.

What Success Looks Like

• Completing scheduled mold maintenance on time and following established procedures.
• Keeping accurate maintenance records and reporting problems promptly.
• Completing mold changeovers carefully and correctly.
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Building your technical skills and taking on more responsibility as you gain experience.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and perform hands-on work at assembly benches for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely around heavy molds, lifting equipment, cleaning systems, and approved cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Build Your Future in Mold making

If you’re mechanically inclined, enjoy hands-on work, and want to develop a specialized skill set, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.