Injection Molding Setup Technician

PlasticStaffing.com; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastic Staffing is seeking a hands-on Set-Up Technician to support its injection molding operations in Virginia. The role focuses on mold changes, machine setup, and changeovers, with travel opportunities and a 2-2-3 rotating 12-hour schedule in place.

A passport is required for international travel, and candidates must reliably follow established procedures for production readiness. The position requires at least a high school diploma and 2+ years of related experience, with a strong

Qualifications

• Hands-on ability with injection molding setup and mold changes.
• Follow setup sheets, work instructions and safety procedures.
• Willingness to travel internationally for assignments.

Responsibilities

• Perform injection molding mold changes and machine changeovers according to production schedules and established procedures.
• Tear down and prepare molding equipment for next production run.
• Connect and verify mold utilities and ensure equipment readiness before production.
• Document mold changes, setup activities and production information.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Ability to read setup sheets

Attention to safety and quality

Ability to travel internationally

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead cranes

MES/electronic production systems

Job description

Compensation: $19 - 25/hour + 10% Shift Differential for Eligible Night-Shift Assignments

Location: Virginia (Relocation assistance offered)

Type: Full-Time position

Schedule: 2-2-3 rotating 12-hour schedule (Panama Schedule): 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, followed by 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off.

Position Summary

We are partnering with an established plastics manufacturer to identify a hands-on Set-Up Technician to support its injection molding operations.

This is a production-focused technical position responsible primarily for mold changes, machine setup and tear-down, colorant changes, equipment preparation, and production changeovers.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with injection molding machines, molds, tooling, and auxiliary equipment. This position is not focused on developing molding processes or performing advanced process engineering. Instead, the primary responsibility is ensuring machines and molds are properly prepared, changed over, and ready for production according to established setup procedures.

The company is open to candidates with solid hands-on injection molding setup or mold-change experience who can demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, safe work practices, and the ability to follow established procedures. A valid passport is required for this position due to potential international travel.

Requirements

• Perform injection molding mold changes and machine changeovers according to production schedules and established procedures.
• Tear down and prepare molding equipment following production runs and changeover requirements.
• Safely remove, transport, install, align, and secure molds using overhead cranes and approved lifting equipment.
• Prepare molds, tooling, machines, and auxiliary equipment for the next production run.
• Connect and verify mold utilities, including water, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and temperature-control connections as applicable.
• Verify proper mold installation, machine setup, connections, and equipment readiness before production.
• Follow setup sheets, work instructions, mold documentation, and established changeover procedures.
• Perform colorant changes and prepare molding equipment for changes in production material or color.
• Assist with material changes and production changeovers as required.
• Perform basic setup adjustments within established procedures.
• Identify obvious setup or equipment issues and communicate problems to the appropriate Production, Maintenance, or technical personnel.
• Document mold changes, setup activities, equipment status, and required production information.
• Maintain molds, tooling, machines, and work areas in a clean, organized, and production-ready condition.
• Follow all safety, quality, and manufacturing procedures.
• Work effectively with Production and Maintenance to complete changeovers efficiently and minimize production downtime.
• Support 5S and continuous improvement activities related to setup and changeover operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with injection molding setup, mold changes, machine setup, or closely related plastics manufacturing activities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working directly with industrial machinery, molds, tooling, and auxiliary equipment.
• Practical understanding of injection molding machines and mold change procedures.
• Experience installing, removing, aligning, and securing injection molds.
• Experience connecting mold utilities and preparing equipment for production.
• Ability to safely operate or work around overhead cranes and other mold-handling equipment.
• Ability to read and follow setup sheets, work instructions, technical documentation, and safety procedures.
• Ability to perform basic setup adjustments and identify setup-related problems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Basic computer skills; experience with MES or electronic production systems is helpful.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for occasional extended business assignments.
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Ability to work 2nd or 3rd Shift as assigned.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or adjusted schedules based on production requirements.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb as required during the work shift.
• Ability to safely handle materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely work around injection molding machinery, overhead cranes, forklifts, tooling, and related production equipment.
• Willingness to work Second or Third Shift, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as production requirements dictate.

Plastic Staffing is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.