Mold Technician - 3rd Shift - $2,000 Sign on Bonus

Colonial Group; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking a Mold Technician 1–3 to operate and maintain injection molding equipment on a 1st-3rd shift at our Kalamazoo plant. The role requires hands-on setup, start-up, operation, and shutdown of molding machines, with strict adherence to standard work and safety procedures.

You will support with quality checks, line housekeeping, and continuous improvement activities. Progression through three training levels is defined, with target timelines to achieve full qualification.

Qualifications

• Willing to complete all required post-hire training modules within specified time frames.
• Ability to safely perform mold changes and machine start-ups per standard procedures.
• Basic troubleshooting of machines, robots, and related equipment.
• Ability to read and follow standard work procedures and quality checks.

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.
• Performing basic mold knowledge, startup checks, and quality inspections.
• Completing daily production paperwork and using Lean tools to monitor production.
• Assisting with operator breaks and routine upkeep of equipment.

Skills

Mold tech basics

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Communication

Training participation

Tools

Summit Lean Manufacturing System

Job description

Effective 10-5-2026 to 11-5-2026:

$2,000 total sign On Bonus

$500 if remains employed as a Mold Tech for 6 weeks

$750 if remains employed as a Mold Tech for 6 months

$750 if remains employed as a Mold Tech for 1 year

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