Lead Technician

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.; Cuba City (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. is seeking a Process Technician in Wisconsin to support plastic molding operations. You will participate in start-ups, monitor equipment, and work with design and engineering teams to optimize production. The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and routine maintenance on molding machines.

The position requires hands-on mechanical aptitude, forklift operation, and a proactive approach to reducing scrap and downtime while ensuring quality standards are met across shifts.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform startup on a new production run after mold sets are complete.
• Ability to troubleshoot process issues and work with engineers.
• Knowledge of safety practices and proper equipment handling.

Responsibilities

• Perform an initial startup on a new production run after mold sets are complete.
• Work on processes to improve production efficiencies and reduce scrap rates.
• Troubleshoot process issues with tool designers and project engineers for solutions.
• Document and record processes for each production run and customer.
• Operate a forklift as required and maintain a safe work environment.

Skills

Forklift operation

Quality control

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Molding equipment knowledge

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Process Technician

• Perform an initial startup on a new production run after mold sets are complete.
• Work on processes to improve production efficiencies and reduce high scrap rates.
• Research problems with equipment and tooling and take corrective action.
• Trouble shoot process issues in the factory and consult with tool designer and project engineers for solutions to the problems.
• Recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product.
• Document and record processes for all production runs for each customer.
• Perform daily rounds and checks at each workstation:
• Are all waterlines on and circulating through the molds and mold heater units
• Is water on the barrel throats
• Waterlines are routed to the mold properly and don’t have leaky fittings
• Water tanks are circulating and the heaters are working if used
• Drop bars are set properly
• Dryers are working and setup correctly
• Review of all electrical cords, air hoses, oil temperature, etc.
• Set mold and start jobs according to standard procedures as instructed by supervisor or upper management.
• Set-up and changeover of equipment used for performing secondary and degating operations at the molding machines. (Tables, Conveyors, Water Tanks, Degaters, Fixtures, etc.
• Perform all aspects of changeover required for converting molding machines to various production of sample jobs.
• Put things in proper places when pulling jobs out. Mold inserts, fixtures, switches, valves, etc. .
• Perform minor mold maintenance and repair, including cavity, core and/or base changeover, as required.
• To perform preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs when necessary as required.
• Keep inventory in order of heater bands, mold clamps, bolts, hoses, knockout rods.
• Have a good knowledge of all machines and their functions and make sure your set-up people have this knowledge
• Maintain good communications with your Quality Control Department to insure quality products are produced on your shift and at start-up.
• Follow established procedures for the proper storage of molds and equipment.
• Keep set‑up records in order and insure that set‑up records are 100% accurate when filling them out.
• Take care of the equipment – use proper length bolts to fasten molds so threads are not stripped, watch centering rings, bumping of machines tie bards, safety gates and drop bars with the mold. Use care with auxiliary equipment. DME units fastened so as not to fall on the floor, water heats, etc. . Overall put a little extra thought in everyday duties that you perform.
• Stage molds and equipment for upcoming jobs.
• Stage break periods so machinery is not left idle. This may require and early or late break.
• To assist with required machine and/or equipment adjustments and troubleshooting to insure safe, efficient operations as directed by shift supervisor.
• Operator the forklift as required.
• Report problems, needs, and equipment breakdowns to your supervisor so it can be corrected.
• Accurately complete all record keeping forms.
• When required, to perform any job in a lower rated classification that is necessary to support plant operations safely and efficiently.
• Assist in secondary work as needed and as time permits:
• Assembly, print, sort, drill or gauge parts.
• Operate a machine.
• Spend adequate time before and after each shift to ensure all information is properly passed onto oncoming shifts.
• Be available to work overtime as needed.
• If something, does not seem quite right question it and report it to your supervisor immediately.
• Adhere to all company policies regarding conduct, safety practices, and job performance.
• When called upon or in case of an emergency, be qualified to assume supervisor's responsibilities on a temporary basis.
• All other duties as assigned by your shift supervisor or management.

Strategic planning for the growth and success of McDonald Plastic Molding.

• Participate in-group and individual training.
• Develop and implement McDonald Plastic Molding’s core values and mission statement.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner while supporting and encouraging the company’s safety culture.
• Determine personal strengths and delegate workload that best fits each individual.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe working environment.
• Perform all job duties with a positive, collaborative, and encouraging attitude.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervise employees on any/all shifts in the factory departments. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

BENEFITS

Benefits include major medical (BCBS), Delta dental and vision, company sponsored basic life insurance and short-term disability. Voluntary life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability available. Competitive 401(k) with company matching, generous PTO, 10 paid holidays, and company giveaways, family picnics, and more!

A pre-employment and 9 panel (no THC) Drug screen required.

McDonald Plastic Molding is an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.