Injection Molding Process Technician Apprentice

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc. in Grand Rapids is seeking a Molding Process Technician Apprentice to participate in on-the-job training and formal instruction to develop the skills to become a qualified Molding Process Technician.

You will learn to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce quality parts that meet customer requirements. Under guidance of experienced process technicians, you will gain knowledge of mold changes, robotics, process troubleshooting, and quality

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, injection molding, or industrial process technology.
• Basic math skills and ability to learn to interpret process sheets, production records, and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist experienced process technicians with setup, adjustment, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding machines.
• Learn to establish and maintain proper molding conditions per process sheets and quality requirements.
• Assist with mold changes, including installation/removal under supervision after training.
• Learn to identify mold components and basic mold functions (core logic, ejector systems).
• Develop understanding of auxiliary equipment (dryers, hoppers, color mixers, loaders, robots, etc.).
• Assist with setup and operation of auxiliary equipment, automation, and robotics as trained.
• Learn to verify water, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical connections for molds and equipment.
• Monitor production, inspect in-process parts for conformance to quality standards.
• Learn to troubleshoot common molding defects and root causes of issues.
• Follow production schedules, prioritize work, and support startups and mold changes.
• Assist with material and color changes as required.
• Provide mechanical and production support to molding operators and Resin Handlers.
• Complete startup procedures, first-piece submissions, and required quality approvals.
• Access and verify job info, BOMs, quality alerts, deviations, and production records.
• Document process changes and shift activities accurately in IQMS or other systems.
• Assist with preventive maintenance, TPM activities, and simple tooling maintenance.
• Report equipment breakdowns and maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Follow lockout/tagout, safety rules, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Mechanical Aptitude

Accountability and Dependability

Positive Attitude

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Willingness to Learn

Focus on working safely

Analytical Thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

IQMS

Job description

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc. in Grand Rapids is seeking a Molding Process Technician Apprentice to participate in on-the-job training and formal instruction to develop the skills to become a qualified Molding Process Technician.

You will learn to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce quality parts that meet customer requirements. Under guidance of experienced process technicians, you will gain knowledge of mold changes, robotics, process troubleshooting, and quality