Injection Molding Machine Operator

Pela Case Corporation; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Mind Developments is seeking an Injection Machine Operator for the new U.S.-based facility. You will set up and operate injection molding machines, inspect parts, and assist in basic troubleshooting while ensuring quality and on-time production.

You will work Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm, in a fast-paced, safety-conscious environment that values creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Join a team focused on green manufacturing and sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience with injection molding and related equipment.
• Able to perform basic math and measurements.
• Familiar with production environments and safety.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand 8 hours.
• Flexible schedule to meet production demands.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Team player committed to green manufacturing and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate injection molding machines following SOPs.
• Monitor machine operations for efficiency and quality.
• Assist team members and support technicians as needed.
• Install molds under technician guidance.
• Inspect products, perform trimming, finishing, labeling.
• Handle materials, colorants, and recycle waste material.
• Label, package, and prepare products for shipment.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic machine maintenance.
• Identify and escalate simple machine issues to the Technician.
• Follow safety protocols and keep the workspace hazard-free.
• Assist others as necessary.

Skills

Injection molding experience

Mechanical aptitude

Manufacturing knowledge

Basic math

Production experience

Flexible schedule

Lift 50 lbs

Stand for 8 hours

Quality and safety

Attention to detail

Team player, green manufacturing

Job description

At Open Mind Developments, we are the creators of Pela Case—the world's first compostable phone case—and Lomi, a smart home composter that's revolutionizing waste. We're on a mission to leave the planet better than we found it, and our new U.S.-based facility will bring us one step closer to localized, sustainable manufacturing and fulfillment.

You:

• Appreciate a good debate even with your boss
• Thrive in fast-paced change, take decisive action, and run with great ideas—even if they’re not yours
• Solutions Focused - figure out how to fix it instead of who is to blame
• Driven by curiosity, always learning, growing, and embracing discomfort for progress.
• Bring high energy to all your interactions
• Community-minded and driven to make an impact

We

• Work to protect and restore the environment while making sustainability cool.
• Encourage testing, learning, and growing—we love data-backed, creative decisions.
• Value intelligence, resourcefulness, and innovative thinking over rigid experience requirements.
• Move fast, take risks, and aren’t afraid to fail forward.
• Believe that accountability drives success, so foster empowerment, not entitlement

Our Core Values

1. Commit to a culture that builds a strong COMMUNITY.
2. Foster CREATIVITY to inspire fresh innovation.
3. Embrace COURAGE by taking action despite uncertainty.
4. Live with Awareness and CONSCIOUSNESS of our choices.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Injection Molding Manager, the Injection Machine Operator works with the guidance of the Injection Molding Team Lead to operate machines, perform mold changes, inspect product quality, and assist in troubleshooting basic issues. The Operator ensures the efficient production of high-quality parts and supports the injection team in achieving production goals. This role requires an individual who thrives in an environment of continuous improvement and problem-solving. Teamwork and adaptability will be critical to success. Meeting deadlines and delivering on promises nurtures your soul.

Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation. Set up and operate injection molding machines following instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Production Monitoring. Monitor machine operations to ensure products are produced efficiently and at the required quality level.
• Production Assistance. Assist other team members and support the Technician as needed.
• Mold Installation. Install molds using the correct tools and follow procedures for mold setup, under the guidance of the Technician.
• Quality Control. Inspect products for quality, ensuring they meet specifications. Perform trimming, finishing, and labeling as required.
• Material Handling. Mix material and colorant according to specifications. Regrind excess material and reuse as needed and as directed.
• Packaging and Labeling. Label, package, and prepare products for shipment.
• Machine Maintenance. Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance tasks on machines.
• Basic Troubleshooting. Identify and resolve simple machine issues, escalating more complex problems to the Technician.
• Safety Compliance. Follow all safety protocols and keep the workspace clean and hazard-free.
• Assist others as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Ability to learn procedures.
• Injection molding experience and mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of machines and processes in a manufacturing setting.
• Basic math skills are needed
• Experience in a production environment.
• Flexible schedule with possible production fluctuations.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for an 8-hour shift.
• Must be able to work in a loud environment.
• Committed to quality, safety, and communication.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• A team player who wants to participate in green manufacturing and promote a sustainable future

Shift Time:

Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm.

Commitment to Diversity:

Pela is committed to cultivating and preserving a company culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We know that we will grow and learn better with a diverse team. When recruiting for new members of our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, and sexual orientation.

Compensation range - USD $20-$22/hour