Injection Molding Technician Apprentice: Hands-On Training

Flex N Gate; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex N Gate in Grand Rapids, MI is offering a Molding Process Technician Apprentice program. The role provides on-the-job training and technical instruction to learn to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce quality parts per customer requirements.

You will gain knowledge of injection molding processes, mold changes, auxiliary equipment, robotics, troubleshooting, and quality standards, with emphasis on safety, continuous improvement, and adherence to company policies

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• Interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, injection molding, or industrial process technology is desired.
• Good mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical processes and equipment operation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Basic math skills and ability to interpret process sheets, production records, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products.
• Dependability, accountability, flexibility, and ability to work independently or in a team.
• Willingness to learn troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, mold setup, and injection molding processes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing production needs.
• Basic computer skills and ability to complete required documentation.
• Commitment to safety procedures and environmental requirements.
• Willingness to attend related classes at a local collage of Ventra’s choosing

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 and removal, under supervision after training.
• Identify mold components and understand basic mold functions (core logic, ejector systems).
• Familiarize with auxiliary equipment (dryers, hoppers, color mixers, loaders, robots, etc.).
• Assist with setup and operation of auxiliary equipment, automation, and robotic systems.
• Learn to connect and verify water, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical connections.
• Monitor production and inspect in-process parts for quality conformance.
• Troubleshoot molding defects (flash, short shots, etc.) and identify root causes.
• Support process troubleshooting and production startups and mold changes.
• Follow production schedules and prioritize work for timely starts.
• Assist with material and color changes; provide mechanical and production support to operators.
• Complete startup procedures, first-piece submissions, and quality approvals.
• Access and verify job information, BOMs, quality alerts, deviations, and production records.
• Document process changes and shift activities; enter data in IQMS or other systems.
• Support TPM, preventive maintenance, and simple tooling maintenance.
• Report equipment breakdowns and tooling issues to supervisors.
• Follow lockout/tagout, safety rules, and environmental requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area per 5S standards.
• Identify unsafe conditions and quality concerns and report them.
• Participate in apprenticeship coursework and skills assessments.
• Identify opportunities to improve process capability, product quality, yields, and reliability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

Flex N Gate in Grand Rapids, MI is offering a Molding Process Technician Apprentice program. The role provides on-the-job training and technical instruction to learn to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce quality parts per customer requirements.

You will gain knowledge of injection molding processes, mold changes, auxiliary equipment, robotics, troubleshooting, and quality standards, with emphasis on safety, continuous improvement, and adherence to company policies