Injection Molding Process Technician | Plastics Manufacturing

Applied Medical; California; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Training programs

Wellness activities

Education reimbursement

401(k) plan

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Applied Medical is seeking a Injection Molding Process Technician to support polymer molding operations at our Lake Forest, CA site. You will set up molds, monitor processes, troubleshoot, and ensure quality while aligning with lean manufacturing and safety standards.

This role requires 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, knowledge of molding equipment, and proficiency with SAP and MS Office. Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and patient care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing or injection molding environment.
• Knowledge of mold setup, changeovers, and process control.
• Familiarity with resin properties related to molding.
• Basic understanding of auxiliary equipment (robots, chillers, dryers, thermolators).
• Ability to read work instructions, engineering drawings, and SOPs.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain process consistency.
• Effective communication and teamwork in fast-paced manufacturing.
• Proficiency with documentation and SAP system usage.

Responsibilities

• Perform mold setup, changeovers, and equipment preparation.
• Monitor molding processes to maintain product quality.
• Troubleshoot processes and adjust to meet specifications.
• Conduct line clearances and verify readiness for operation.
• Support mold cleaning, PM, and tooling care.
• Document process parameters and shop order status in SAP.
• Collaborate with team leads, engineers, and quality for objectives.
• Escalate equipment or process issues and initiate maintenance.

Skills

Mold setup

Process control

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Microsoft Office

SAP

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Robots

Chillers

Dryers

Thermolators

Part collectors

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

Position Description

Work Location:

20162 Windrow Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

The Injection Molding Process Technician | Plastics Manufacturing supports polymer injection molding operations at Applied Medical by performing equipment setup, startup, monitoring, troubleshooting, and shutdown across an assigned work area. Working as an injection molding process technician, this team member prepares molds, materials, tooling, and equipment to produce quality medical device components that meet specification. The role keeps production and engineering shop orders running while supporting lean manufacturing practices in a collaborative team environment. As a manufacturing process technician, the Process Technician I contributes to product quality, process stability, and on-time output that supports patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mold setup, changeovers, and equipment preparation in support of production and engineering shop orders.
• Monitor molding processes and equipment to maintain consistent performance and product quality.
• Troubleshoot processes and apply adjustments to maintain process stability and meet specification.
• Conduct line clearances and verify that molds, materials, tooling, and equipment are ready for operation.
• Support mold cleaning, preventative maintenance, and tooling care activities.
• Document process parameters, calibration records, and shop order status in SAP and internal manufacturing systems.
• Collaborate with team leaders, engineers, and quality to support production objectives and continuous improvement.
• Escalate equipment, tooling, process, and quality issues, and initiate maintenance requests as needed.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Maintain stable molding processes that produce components meeting quality specification.
• Reduce downtime through timely troubleshooting, changeovers, and preventative maintenance support.
• Sustain accurate documentation across process parameters, calibration records, and shop order status.
• Strengthen team performance by communicating clearly with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance.
• Advance continuous improvement and lean manufacturing through practical suggestions on the production floor.

Position Requirements

This Position Requires the Following Skills and Attributes

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to three years of experience in a manufacturing or injection molding environment.
• Knowledge of mold setup, changeovers, process control, and basic resin properties related to molding.
• Basic understanding of auxiliary equipment, including robots, part collectors, chillers, dryers, and thermolators.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, engineering drawings, standard operating procedures, and technical documentation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain process consistency.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Computer skills for documentation and system use, including Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout a shift in an environment with moving machinery, elevated temperatures, and noise.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation range: $20 - $30 / hour (California).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• On-campus wellness activities.
• Education reimbursement program.
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, experience. The compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and special discretionary bonus or incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to team member growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.