Machine Operator Injection (12-hour Shift)

Southeastern Container, Inc.; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeastern Container, Inc. is seeking an Injection Machine Operator in Winchester, VA to run and monitor injection molding lines and crane systems. You will perform start/stop, changeovers, quality checks, and routine maintenance to ensure product conformity and process reliability.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, ability to read instructions, basic math, mechanical aptitude, and strong safety awareness. Must be willing to work a 12-hour shift with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions, safety rules, and schedules.
• Basic math skills for production and scrap documentation.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to learn equipment.
• Ability to distinguish product, resin, and color requirements and perform changeovers.
• Clear communication and teamwork with teams and supervision.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour shift with overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Commitment to PPE, lockout/tagout, and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safely start, stop, set up, and operate injection molding machines and crane systems.
• Monitor equipment, process, and output to meet quality specifications.
• Perform material and product changeovers as scheduled by Production.
• Conduct visual and technical quality tests on preforms and report deviations.
• Maintain documentation, scrap tags, and maintenance reports.
• Participate in safety meetings and shift handoffs; follow all safety procedures.
• Troubleshoot minor issues and calibrate equipment per procedure.
• Assist with cleaning, preventative maintenance, and equipment upkeep.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading instructions

Basic math

Communication

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Computer use

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Injection molding equipment

Cranes

Electronic reporting systems

Job description

Description Southeast Container, Inc. is one of the largest leading manufacturers of PET beverage bottles and preforms, proudly supplying the Coca-Cola bottling system throughout the East Coast and Midwest. For over 35 years, we've built a reputation for stability, quality, and sustained growth. We are now seeking talented individuals to join our team for the following role: The Injection Machine Operator is responsible for the safe, continuous, and efficient operation of injection molding machines, crane systems, and related support equipment used to produce injection-molded preforms and parts that meet established quality requirements. The role includes equipment start-up and shutdown, process monitoring, product and material changeovers, quality testing, scrap control, routine maintenance, cleaning, documentation, and compliance with product safety and regulatory requirements. Safely start, stop, set up, and operate injection molding machines and the crane system in accordance with established safety and operating procedures; follow Lockout/Tagout, electrical safety, confined space and machine guarding requirements. Monitor resin and colorant feed and supply to support continuous operation. Verify that the correct product is produced using the specified resin and color, and coordinate preform and color changes as required by Production Scheduling. Monitor operating conditions and production output for compliance with quality specifications. Notify the Team Leader or Injection Operations Manager of actual or potential problems. Troubleshoot minor process and equipment issues and profile machines within authorized operating parameters. Identify, isolate, label, and properly handle production that may be out of specification in coordination with the Team Leader or Injection Operations Manager. Account for machine scrap, complete required scrap tags and labels, and process scrap as directed. Perform required visual and technical tests on preforms to verify conformity to applicable quality standards and immediately report out-of-specification product. Monitor dryers, chillers, ACG, LGV, labelers, box builder, lid robot, automated defect-detection equipment, and other support equipment. Promptly report apparent malfunctions. Perform directed calibration checks and operator maintenance, including changing neck rings and assisting with mold cleaning. Maintain a clean and orderly work area and report unsafe conditions promptly. Complete production, scrap, quality, maintenance, safety, and other required reports accurately and on time. Comply with all requirements relating to employee safety, product safety, product legality, regulatory compliance, and quality systems. Participate in required training, safety meetings, continuous-improvement activities, and shift handoffs. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Team Leader or Injection Operations Manager.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written work instructions, safety rules, quality specifications, production schedules, and equipment procedures.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and accurately record production, scrap, and quality information.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to learn injection molding equipment, process controls, support systems, routine maintenance, and minor troubleshooting.
• Ability to distinguish product, resin, and color requirements and accurately perform or support material and product changeovers.
• Ability to perform visual inspections and required technical quality tests after training and to recognize and elevate abnormal conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with Team Leaders, operations management, maintenance, quality, and other production employees.
• Ability to use required computer terminals, touchscreens, scanners, or electronic reporting systems after training.
• Ability to work a 12-hour shift, including required overtime, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.
• Ability to comply with all PPE, lockout/tagout, machine-guarding, fall-protection, housekeeping, product-safety, and other applicable safety requirements.
• Ability to complete Company-required training and obtain any required equipment authorization, including crane or powered industrial truck qualification when assigned.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of manufacturing, plastics, injection molding, or other machine-operation experience.
• Experience operating or monitoring automated injection molding equipment and responding to alarms, process deviations, or quality issues.
• Experience with resin handling, colorant systems, dryers, chillers, molds, conveyors, cranes, or automated inspection equipment.
• Experience performing basic preventive maintenance, changeovers, cleaning, calibration checks, or equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience in food-grade, packaging, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Basic computer skills and experience completing electronic production or quality records.