Mold Technician - 2nd Shift

Hayward Holdings, Inc.; Clemmons (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Hayward Holdings, Inc. in Clemmons, North Carolina is looking for a dedicated machine setup technician to join their team. The role involves responsibility for mold changes on injection molding machines and ensuring quality production while adhering to safety standards.

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or GED, with a preference for those who have vocational training in machine setup and some experience in plastics. The role requires effective communication, a strong mechanical understanding, and willingness to participate in continuous improvement programs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mechanical systems through testing.
• Ability to interpret various forms of instructions.
• Understanding of scientific molding principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform mold changes and setups on molding machines.
• Handle robotics tasks including program loading.
• Ensure machines operate efficiently and maintain quality.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Problem-solving

Ability to learn new technology

Safety awareness

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

One-year certificate in machine setup

Experience in plastics/injection molding

Job description

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform mold changes and setups on molding machines with assistance from Mold Tech and/or Process Tech, continuously looking for changeover process improvement.
• Use magnetic platens and traditional mold setting techniques for mold changes and setups.
• Develop and demonstrate basic knowledge of all in‑house machinery, including machine safety, machine functions, and molding machine vocabulary.
• Handle robotics tasks: change End‑of‑Arm Tooling (EOAT), load programs, start, stop, and step through programs on multiple machines.
• Load predefined part recipes and verify them against the process sheet.
• Identify various material types and understand general resin drying parameters.
• Show understanding of molding defects, read blueprints, follow Quality Instructions (QI), use gauges, and complete start‑up check sheets.
• Maintain or improve the quality of the manufacturing process.
• Communicate on a technical level.
• Ensure machines operate at standard cycle times and efficiencies, and produce quality parts. Notify Process Technician or Supervisor when unable to do so due to factors outside trainee’s control.
• Cultivate good working relations with other departments and all parties that interact with the department.
• Maintain good housekeeping by taking ownership of the work area and returning items to their proper place when the job is complete.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement programs, including the Hayward Lean Production System and Kaizen, to advance departmental, personal, and company goals.
• Understand and adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Adhere to all company and departmental safety policies, seeking continuous safety improvements.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mechanical systems through mechanical aptitude testing.
• Ability to solve practical problems and manage variables in low‑standardized situations.
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Understanding of scientific molding principles.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Ability to learn new technology systems, methods, or processes.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret information.
• Capability to operate a forklift safely.
• Capability to organize, prioritize, and manage time.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• One‑year certificate from college or technical training in machine setup (preferred).
• Work experience in plastics and/or injection molding environments (strongly preferred). Experience in hydraulics, programmable logic controls, or robotics with EOAT is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to push, pull, maneuver, or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Continuously pushing, reaching, climbing, and stopping during mold changes.
• Occasionally operating an overhead crane regularly.
• Continuous use of close vision, distance vision, depth perception, or the ability to focus.

Work Environment

• The work environment is generally noisy and dirty, and involves dust, oil, electrical devices, and mechanically moving parts.
• Safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety toe shoes are required on the plant floor.