Molding Operator I

HI-LEX North America; Litchfield Township (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

HI-LEX North America in Litchfield Township, Michigan is seeking a Machine Operator. The role involves setting up robots, operating machines, and ensuring quality production of injection molded parts. Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least three months of molding experience.

The position requires working in a factory environment, with safety protocols strictly enforced. Ideal candidates will have strong mechanical skills and the ability to work in a team to maintain production efficiency.

Qualifications

• 3 months minimum molding experience or 1 year experience within Hi-Lex.
• Works in a factory environment with noise from the manufacturing environment.
• Possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment.

Responsibilities

• Sets up robots and operates machines to safely produce quality injection molded parts.
• Ensures first-piece and hourly checks are performed promptly.
• Performs SPC visual and dimensional checks on component parts.

Skills

Ability to use handheld barcode scanner

Ability to use calipers and gages

Education

High school diploma or GED required

Tools

Hand tools

Crane

Grinders

Calipers

Gages

Hand and/or powered pallet jack

Job description

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, as well as the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan, and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint.

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily and now operates ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan and consists of finance, sales, engineering, testing, and program management.

Summary

Operates injection molding machines and grinders in a safe manner, producing quality parts to production requirements. May also assist in set‑up and troubleshooting process problems. Uses formulas, charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, and computer scanning devices and instructions where interpretation is required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Sets up robots and operates machines to safely produce quality injection molded parts
• Follow safety rules and keep the work area in a clean and orderly condition
• Ensures first‑piece and hourly checks are performed promptly
• Follows production schedule to run maximum amount of high‑quality parts with minimum downtime
• Performs SPC visual and dimensional checks on component parts
• Documents mold or machinery problems and reports as required
• Reviews, corrects and submits all required documents
• Packs, weighs, labels, and moves finished products
• Performs secondary operations as required
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Occasionally interacts with suppliers and internal customers on potential quality problems

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required

Functional Experience

• Use hand tools, crane, grinders, calipers, and gages
• Use a hand and/or powered pallet jack
• 3 months minimum molding experience or 1 year experience within Hi‑Lex

Physical Requirements

• Works in a factory environment with noise from the manufacturing environment
• Exposure to moving equipment, parts and electrical shock
• Possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment
• Sometimes lifts, carries or moves objects – weighing up to 50 pounds

Core Competencies

• Operate injection molding machines
• Basic robot operation

Required Skills

• Ability to use handheld barcode scanner
• Ability to use calipers and gages

Other Requirements

• Good attendance