Mold Technician - 2nd Shift

Summit Polymers; Kalamazoo, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Polymers in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Mold Technician to perform molding machine setups, start-ups, operation and shutdowns, following standard work procedures and the Summit Lean Manufacturing System. You will ensure machines, molds and equipment function correctly and perform routine quality checks.

The role requires basic troubleshooting, first/last piece inspections, housekeeping, safety compliance, and collaboration with shifts to maintain production flow.

Qualifications

• Agreement to complete post-hire training modules within specified time frame.
• Must meet physical requirements, including lifting 60 pounds repeatedly.
• Able to wear steel-toed footwear and stand for long shifts.
• Must pass DAT Mechanical Reasoning and Wonderlic Select tests.
• Experience with molding machines or manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely performing injection mold changes and machine start-ups in the proper sequence and within time standards.
• Troubleshooting basic machine and equipment problems.
• Troubleshooting basic robot problems.
• Demonstrating basic knowledge of mold construction and function and assisting in initial troubleshooting.
• Performing basic Robot End‑Of‑Arm‑Tooling maintenance and repair.
• Completing machine process adjustments within prescribed limits to meet specs.
• Identifying non-standard work and machine conditions that are safety concerns.
• Effectively communicating production concerns with peers on other shifts.
• Assisting the supervisor in managing shift activities and training of operators, utilities and other mold techs.
• Completing daily production paperwork.
• Utilizing Summit Lean Manufacturing Systems to monitor inventory, schedule and run production.
• Following general housekeeping principles.
• Assisting with Operator/Utility breaks.
• Assisting in grinding of runners and scrap parts.

Skills

Safety awareness

Physical strength

Team communication

Post-hire training compliance

Tools

Crane license

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Mold Technician 1 FLSASTATUS: Non Exempt
Mold Technician 2
Mold Technician 3

REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Manufacturing (Molding)

SUMMARY

This is a hands‑on technical position responsible for molding machine setups, start‑ups, operation, and shut‑downs. Must follow all standard work procedures including daily use of Summit Lean Manufacturing System tools. Completes process verifications, perform 1st piece/last piece inspections and perform routine quality checks. Responsible for ensuring that machines, molds and equipment are properly functioning and maintained. Identify problems and perform basic troubleshooting, according to knowledge and work experience. Duties will also include general housekeeping, visual production management and product flow, compliance to environmental and safety procedures and assisting with Operator/Utility tasks.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Safely performing injection mold changes and machine start‑ups in the proper sequence and within time standards
  • Complying with all SPI requirements for Personal Protective Equipment such as, but not limited to, hard hats, heat gloves/sleeves, steel toed shoes, eye protection, etc.
  • Performing lockout/tagout per requirements and safely operating equipment such as cranes, side load systems, hot runner controllers, etc. per standard work procedures.
• Troubleshooting basic machine and equipment problems
• Troubleshooting basic robot problems
• Demonstrating basic knowledge of mold construction and function and is able to assist in the initial troubleshooting process
• Performing basic Robot End‑Of‑Arm‑Tooling maintenance and repair
• Completing machine process adjustments, within prescribed limits, to ensure that product meets specifications
• Identifying non‑standard work and machine conditions that are potential safety concerns and taking appropriate action
• Effectively communicating and advising on product and production concerns with peers on other shifts
• Assisting the supervisor in managing shift activities and training of operators, utilities and other mold techs.
• Completing daily production paperwork
• Utilizing Summit Lean Manufacturing Systems principles to monitor inventory, schedule and run production
• Following general housekeeping principles
• Assisting with giving Operator/Utility breaks
• Assisting, as needed, in the grinding of runners and scrap parts.

Training

The Mold Tech position is a progressive position requiring diligent completion of training requirements over 3 levels and within prescribed time frames in order to achieve fully qualified status and remain in the position.

• Level 1 Side Load – Completed within 5 weeks of placement in position
  • Upon completion and under direct supervision, the Tech will:
  • Be able to safely perform a side load mold change and perform the basic quality tasks
  • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Side Load
• Level 1 Top Load – Completed within 2 weeks of completion of Level 1 Side Load (6 weeks after hire)
  • Upon completion and under direct supervision, the Tech will:
  • Be able to safely perform a top load mold change using a crane
  • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Top Load
• Level 2 – Completed within 18 weeks of completion of the Level 1 Top Load (24 weeks after hire)
  • Upon completion and under general supervision, the Tech will:
  • Be able to safely and efficiently perform both side load and top load set‑ups, meeting the time requirements and execution per the standard work procedure
  • Be able to do a full start‑up, completing all required checks and documentation
  • Be able to do limited troubleshooting of the process and equipment and make adjustments if required
  • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 2
• Level 3 – Completed within 54 weeks of completion of Level 2 (18 months after hire)
  • Upon completion and under general supervision, the Tech will:
  • Be able to meet all the Mold Tech Level 3 requirements outlined above
  • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 3

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Agreement to complete of all required post-hire training modules within specified time frame
• A minimum score in the 50th percentile on the DAT Mechanical Reasoning Test
• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select (Traditional score of 16 on the Cognitive portion)
• Meet the physical requirements for the position
  • Physically capable of standing and walking for the entire shift
  • Must be able to lift 60 pounds repeatedly
  • Repeated bending and lifting during the shift
  • Must be able to wear steel-toed footwear
  • Adequate visual acuity to enter/revise molding press programming
  • Must be able to meet requirements for crane license
  • Must be capable of exerting up to 150 foot pounds on torque wrench
  • Must be able to work around a magnetic field

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does not require any travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.