Journeyman Mold Maker

100Hires, Inc.; New Albany (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Factory Fix is seeking an experienced Mold Maker / Factory Fix Technician to build, repair, and maintain plastic injection molds on a manufacturing floor. The role requires strong hands-on skills in precision machining, mold assembly, and troubleshooting, with a formal mold/tool-making background and 5+ years of experience, preferably with hot runner systems.

The candidate will read blueprints, set up tool-room equipment, fit components, and test molds in presses to ensure parts meet

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent five-year in-house training.
• Experience with plastic injection molds and hot runner systems strongly preferred.
• Strong blueprint-reading and mechanical troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain plastic injection molds of various sizes and configurations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, and instructions; plan setups on tool-room machinery.
• Fit and assemble mold components, tools, and dies; set up, run, and test molds in injection molding presses.
• Troubleshoot mold issues, identify root causes, and perform repairs or modifications.
• Perform precision measurements and inspections using gauging equipment to maintain tight tolerances.
• Assist with mold welding, heat treatment, and repair as needed.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and production to resolve tooling challenges.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mold making

Mechanical troubleshooting

Precision measuring

Welding

Tool setup

Heat treatment

Crane operation

Team collaboration

Education

Formal mold/tool-making apprenticeship

Technical school mold/tool-making program

Five-year in-house training program

Tools

CNC Mill

CNC Lathe

Jig Grinder

Injection molding press

Job description

Factory Fix / Mold Maker – Plastic Injection MoldingPosition SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Mold Maker / Factory Fix Technician to build, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain plastic injection molds. This is an advanced-level mold-making position requiring strong hands-on experience with precision machining, mold assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.The ideal candidate has completed a formal mold-making apprenticeship or technical training program and brings 5+ years of mold-making experience, preferably working with hot runner injection mold systems.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild, repair, modify, and maintain plastic injection molds of various sizes and configurations.Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, written instructions, and existing parts.Plan and perform setups on tool-room machinery based on materials, tolerances, feeds, and speeds.Fit and assemble mold components, tools, and dies.Set up, run, and test molds in injection molding presses to ensure finished products meet specifications.Troubleshoot mold and tooling problems, identify root causes, and make necessary repairs or modifications.Perform precision measurements and inspections before, during, and after machining.Use precision measuring and gauging equipment to maintain tight tolerances.Perform welding and heat treatment of components as required.Use hand tools and tool-room equipment to perform mold modifications and repairs.Assist with injection molding press repairs or overhauls when needed.Work with product designers and engineering personnel to identify potential manufacturing or tooling challenges with new designs.Safely operate cranes, boring machines, machine tools, mold presses, and other mold-making equipment.Work closely with processors, maintenance, quality, mold setters, supervisors, and production personnel to resolve tooling and production issues.QualificationsCompletion of a formal apprenticeship program, technical school mold/tool-making program, or equivalent five-year in-house training program.5+ years of mold-making experience preferred.Experience with plastic injection molds strongly preferred.Experience with hot runner mold systems highly preferred.Strong blueprint-reading and mechanical troubleshooting skills.Experience with precision measuring and gauging tools.Knowledge of mold fitting, assembly, machining, welding, and repair.Ability to troubleshoot molds during production and make necessary adjustments or repairs.Strong manual dexterity and ability to perform detailed precision work without damaging high-value tooling.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Strong problem-solving and communication skills.Physical & Work RequirementsThis position is performed primarily on a manufacturing/shop floor and requires working around injection molding presses, heavy tooling, and machine-shop equipment. Candidates must be comfortable following strict safety procedures when operating equipment and handling molds.Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds and safely move or position mold components and equipment. Good corrected vision and manual dexterity are required for blueprint reading, precision measurements, mold inspection, and detailed tooling work.You should be proficient in:Mechanical Troubleshooting SkillsInjection Molding ExperienceTool/Die/Mold Setup ExperienceBlueprint ReadingMachines & technologies you'll use:CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)Injection Molding MachineCNC Lathe (2-4 axis)Manual Vertical MillJig Grinder