Mold Change Setter - First Shift

ALPLA Group; West Bend, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

ALPLA Group in West Bend, WI is seeking a Mold Operator to support production with hands-on molding machine operation. You will perform mold changes, machine setups, and process parameter adjustments to ensure quality products.

The role requires 2+ years operating molding machines, knowledge of plastics materials, and the ability to read process sheets and drawings. A safety-conscious, team-oriented approach helps drive continuous improvement and reliable output.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of experience operating molding machines.
• Understanding of plastics materials (HDPE, PP, PET, etc.).
• Ability to read process sheets and technical drawings.
• Experience with tooling setup, parison control, and troubleshooting minor defects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in mold changes on molding machines, including removal and installation of molds, heads, and related tooling.
• Set up machines for production runs, including parison programming, temperature settings, and process parameters.
• Conduct startup and verify product quality to meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot molding, machine, and tooling abnormalities to minimize downtime and scrap while ensuring product quality.
• Adjust machine settings to optimize cycle time, quality, and efficiency.
• Perform preventive maintenance on molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment.
• Inspect molds and tooling for wear, damage, or defects; report and coordinate repairs.
• Ensure proper alignment, clamping, cooling, and operation of molds.
• Document setup parameters, process changes, and production data.
• Follow setup sheets, process documentation, and production schedules.
• Maintain 5S standards in work area.
• Support downtime reduction through efficient preparation and execution.

Skills

Molding machine operation

Reading process sheets

Reading technical drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting defects

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Automation systems experience

Robotics exposure

Job description

Description

Build a Career, Not Just a Job

Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands, including P&G, Unilever, L'Oréal, PepsiCo, and many more.

As a family-owned company with locations around the world, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Whether you're an experienced manufacturing professional or looking to start a new career, we provide the support and development you need to succeed.

At ALPLA, we invest in our people, promote from within, and foster a culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. From apprenticeship programs and technical training to leadership development opportunities, ALPLA is committed to helping employees build long-term careers.

What You Can Expect from ALPLA

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Childcare and dependent care savings programs
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition programs
• Hands-on training and professional development
• A stable, growing company committed to sustainability

Ready to Build Your Future?

Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is supported, and your career can grow with a global industry leader.

Apply today and discover what a career at ALPLA can offer.

What you will enjoy doing

• Assist in mold changes on molding machines, including removal and installation of molds, heads, and related tooling.
• Set up machines for production runs, including parison programming, temperature settings, and process parameters.
• Conduct startup and verify product quality to meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot molding, machine, and tooling abnormalities to minimize downtime and scrap while ensuring product quality.
• Adjust machine settings to optimize cycle time, quality, and efficiency.
• Perform preventive maintenance on molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment.
• Inspect molds and tooling for wear, damage, or defects; report and coordinate repairs.
• Ensure proper alignment, clamping, cooling, and operation of molds.
• Document setup parameters, process changes, and production data.
• Follow setup sheets, process documentation, and production schedules.
• Maintain 5S standards in work area.
• Support downtime reduction through efficient preparation and execution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety & Compliance

• Strict adherence to ALPLA Safety Standards, including:
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• PPE usage
• Safe mold handling practices
• Report near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions.
• Work closely with Mold Setter II, Technicians, Maintenance, and Production teams to meet performance objectives.
• Communicate effectively on job status, issues, and handoffs.
• Support operator training on machine operation and quality checks as needed.

Performance Metrics

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) %
• Operational Waste %
• Safety Compliance (Zero Incidents / Near Miss Reporting)
• Ensures Accountability
• Decision Quality
• Communicates Effectively
• Values Differences
• Drives Results

What Makes You Great

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience operating molding machines.
• Understanding of plastics materials (HDPE, PP, PET, etc.).
• Ability to read process sheets and technical drawings.
• Experience with tooling setup, parison control, and troubleshooting minor defects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical certification in plastics processing or manufacturing.
• Experience with automation systems and robotics.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.

Physical Demands:

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, reach with hands and arms, and very occasionally to climb or balance.
• The employee is regularly required to climb or balance when using correct stands on machine ladders.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #entrylevel #WEB

ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ALPLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ALPLA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ALPLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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.