Machine Set Up Technician - Plastics 1st shift

Le Sueur Incorporated; Le Sueur (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Le Sueur Incorporated in Minnesota seeks a 1st shift Injection Molding Machine Setup Technician to set up, start, and monitor plastic injection molding machines and related equipment. You will ensure machines are configured for quality parts safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities include mold installation, parameter setup, first-piece inspection, issue troubleshooting, and maintaining production records. OT and weekends may be scheduled as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience with plastic injection molding equipment preferred.
• Ability to read work instructions, blueprints, and basic measurement tools.
• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or rotating shifts as required.

Responsibilities

• Set up and prepare injection molding machines for production runs.
• Install and remove molds, including proper alignment and securing of molds.
• Connect and set up water, hydraulic, electrical, and auxiliary systems as required.
• Set machine parameters including temperature, pressure, speed, injection time, cooling time, and cycle time.
• Start machines and perform first-piece inspections to verify product quality.
• Make process adjustments to maintain consistent part quality and production efficiency.
• Troubleshoot molding problems such as short shots, flash, warping, sink marks, burns, and dimensional issues.
• Set up and operate auxiliary equipment such as dryers, temperature controllers, grinders, robots, and material loaders.
• Verify proper material, color, and resin before starting production.
• Perform routine machine and mold checks and report equipment problems.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and setup records.
• Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, and work instructions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with mold changes, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting skills

Reading blueprints/instructions

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Overtime flexibility

Safety awareness

Tools

Injection molding machines

Molds setup

Calipers and micrometers

Quality inspection tools

SPC knowledge

Job description

This is a 1st shift position. Mon-Thur 5am - 3:30pm with OT Friday and/or Saturday as scheduled.

The Position:

The Injection Molding Machine Setup Technician is responsible for setting up, starting, and monitoring plastic injection molding machines and related equipment. This position ensures machines are properly configured to produce quality parts safely, efficiently, and according to production specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and prepare injection molding machines for production runs.
• Install and remove molds, including proper alignment and securing of molds.
• Connect and set up water, hydraulic, electrical, and auxiliary systems as required.
• Set machine parameters including temperature, pressure, speed, injection time, cooling time, and cycle time.
• Start machines and perform first-piece inspections to verify product quality.
• Make process adjustments to maintain consistent part quality and production efficiency.
• Troubleshoot molding problems such as short shots, flash, warping, sink marks, burns, and dimensional issues.
• Set up and operate auxiliary equipment such as dryers, temperature controllers, grinders, robots, and material loaders.
• Verify proper material, color, and resin before starting production.
• Perform routine machine and mold checks and report equipment problems.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and setup records.
• Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, and work instructions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with mold changes, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience with plastic injection molding equipment preferred.
• Experience setting up injection molding machines and molds.
• Knowledge of plastic materials, molding processes, and machine controls.
• Ability to read work instructions, blueprints, and basic measurement tools.
• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.
• Ability to lift and handle materials and perform physical production tasks safely.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or rotating shifts as required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with hydraulic and electric injection molding machines.
• Knowledge of scientific molding/process optimization.
• Experience with robots and automated molding systems.
• Familiarity with SPC, quality inspection, and lean manufacturing practices.
• Ability to use calipers, micrometers, and other inspection equipment.

Functional Requirements

Consistently able to:

• Manually lift and move product and materials up to 55 lbs. through regular physical exertion, including but not limited to reach forward, reach overhead, lift, carry, crouch and bend.

• Power grip and wrist turn, including the use of hand tools and/or steering for truck.
• Walk, sit or stand for up to 12 hours with intermittent breaks.
• Push / pull 100lbs.
• See, inspect, and evaluate product quality
• Read and understand written work instructions in English
• Work in a non-climate controlled environment, including hot and humid conditions.
• Walk up and down steps
• Climb ladders and stairs of varying height
• Wear task-based Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Protective Footwear;
  • Hearing Protection
  • Protective Eyewear
  • Gloves
  • Additional PPE may as required by specific tasks