Mold Setter/ Process Technician- 2nd Shift

TI Automotive; Leitchfield (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

TI Automotive is seeking a Mold Setter / Process Technician to safely set up and run injection molding machines, troubleshoot issues, and optimize processes for high-quality automotive components.

You will manage mold changes, validate process parameters, and support continuous improvement to reduce scrap and improve efficiency. 2+ years in injection molding is preferred; automotive experience is a plus. This full-time position is based in Kentucky.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in injection molding setup/processing preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Technical training in plastics or manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, startup, troubleshoot, and optimize molding machines and related equipment.
• Maintain process parameters, monitor cycle times, and reduce scrap.
• Conduct mold changes, first-piece inspections, and quality checks.
• Document process adjustments and participate in root cause analysis.
• Train operators on start-up procedures, quality requirements, and best practices.

Skills

Injection molding

Mold setup

Troubleshooting

Process control

Safety procedures

Quality awareness

Education

Technical plastics/manufacturing training

Tools

Injection molding equipment

Process control software

Job description

Position Summary:

The Mold Setter / Process Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient setup, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization of injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment while producing high-quality automotive components. This position supports production goals through mold changes, process control, equipment troubleshooting, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Meet the expectations and standards set forth by IATF 16949 and ISO 14001.
• Install, remove, and set up molds on injection molding machines following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Ensure molds are clean, free from defects, and properly prepared for production.
• Operate injection molding machines, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine maintenance.
• Prepare and load the appropriate raw materials, including resin, colorants, and additives.
• Establish and maintain approved machine process parameters to ensure product quality and process stability.
• Monitor machine performance and make process adjustments to optimize cycle times, reduce scrap, and improve efficiency.
• Conduct first-piece inspections and verify product conformance to quality requirements.
• Identify and correct molding defects such as flash, short shots, burns, sink marks, warpage, and splay.
• Support production personnel by providing technical assistance and guidance related to molding processes.
• Conduct mold trials and document process adjustments, findings, and results.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance activities on molds and processing equipment as assigned.
• Maintain molds to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and readiness for production.
• Identify tooling, mold, and equipment concerns and coordinate repairs with Maintenance and Tooling teams.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, and Engineering teams to troubleshoot process, equipment, and quality concerns while supporting continuous improvement, efficiency, and production objectives.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities to improve product quality, reduce downtime, and minimize scrap.
• Respond quickly to machine alarms, process deviations, and production issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure machine guarding and safety devices are functioning properly before operation.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures and all applicable safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate setup sheets, process documentation, production records, and quality reports.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in molding, material handling, and work areas.
• Participate in continuous improvement, cost reduction, scrap reduction, and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Communicate process changes, production concerns, and equipment issues to supervisors and team members.
• Train and support operators on startup procedures, quality requirements, and processing best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skill Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, molds, and associated equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Understanding of molding parameters including temperature, pressure, fill time, hold pressure, and cooling cycles.
• Ability to identify and resolve molding defects and process-related issues.
• Ability to read and interpret setup sheets, process sheets, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Basic computer proficiency and experience using manufacturing systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and respond effectively to changing production demands.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of injection molding setup and processing experience preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Technical training in plastics processing, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with scientific molding principles is a plus.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and auxiliary equipment preferred.

Licensing or Special Certification Requirements:

• Forklift certification preferred or ability to obtain certification.
• Crane/Hoist certification required or ability to obtain certification.
• Lockout/Tagout training required.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and climbing.
• Ability to safely climb ladders and work from elevated platforms and equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around moving machinery and industrial equipment.
• Ability to distinguish color variations in molded products where required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, dust, oils, and moving mechanical equipment.
• Regular interaction with injection molding machines, robots, conveyors, dryers, grinders, and auxiliary equipment.
• Overtime, weekend work, and schedule flexibility may be required to support production needs.
• Fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment with changing priorities and production demands.