CNC Programmer

Chemtech Plastics, Inc.; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 52,348 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Elgin is seeking an experienced Mold Maker skilled in building and maintaining high-precision plastic injection molds. The ideal candidate must possess deep machining expertise and advanced mold-building skills, with responsibilities including building molds from start to finish and solving complex tooling issues. This role offers competitive pay and opportunities for problem-solving in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Deep machining expertise required for high-precision plastic injection molds.
• Experience interpreting complex 2D and 3D engineering data.
• Knowledge of mold steels and material behavior essential.

Responsibilities

• Build complete plastic injection molds from start to finish.
• Diagnose and correct tooling issues.
• Execute complex repairs without compromising steel integrity.

Skills

Advanced mold‑building skills

CNC machining

Strong diagnostic ability

Blueprint interpretation

Job description

1st shift Experienced Mold Maker

Pay $38 to $40

Job Summary

Tool Maker experience requires someone with deep machining expertise, advanced mold‑building skills, strong diagnostic ability, and a practical knowledge about how steel, tooling, and molding processes interact.

Experienced Tool Maker with designing, building, and maintaining high‑precision plastic injection molds. Skilled in all phases of mold construction, including blueprint interpretation, CNC machining, EDM, fitting, polishing, troubleshooting, and mold repair. Capable of delivering durable, efficient tooling solutions that support high‑volume production and tight tolerances.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Build complete plastic injection molds from start to finish, including CNC machining, programming, manual machining, EDM (wire and sinker), surface grinding, and bench work.
• Quoting new tools and repairs.
• Interpret complex 2D and 3D engineering data, including tight‑tolerance detail prints, mold assemblies, and part models.
• Fit, assemble, and hand‑work precision components to achieve proper shutoffs, parting lines, venting, and steel conditions.
• Diagnose and correct tooling issues such as flash, short shots, sticking, venting problems, cooling inefficiencies, and wear.
• Execute complex repairs, including welding (laser/TIG), spotting, reworking, and modifying existing tools without compromising steel integrity.
• Understand mold steels, heat treatment, coatings, and material behavior to make informed decisions during build and repair.

Process & Manufacturing Knowledge

• Deep understanding of injection molding processes, including gating, runner systems, cooling strategies, venting, and ejection.
• Ability to foresee manufacturability issues and recommend design changes before steel is cut.
• Experience with hot runner systems, valve gates, manifold layouts, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of mold life cycles, wear patterns, preventive maintenance, and long‑term reliability.

Problem‑Solving & Judgment

• Ability to “read the steel” — the intuitive understanding of how a mold will behave based on geometry, tolerances, and material flow.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting based on information provided from in‑house sampling/production run data.
• Creative, practical solutions for complex or non‑standard tooling challenges.
• Ability to work independently, making critical decisions without constant engineering oversight.