Molding Process Technician - Apprentice

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc. in Grand Rapids is seeking a Molding Process Technician Apprentice to participate in on-the-job training and formal instruction to develop the skills to become a qualified Molding Process Technician.

You will learn to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce quality parts that meet customer requirements. Under guidance of experienced process technicians, you will gain knowledge of mold changes, robotics, process troubleshooting, and quality

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, injection molding, or industrial process technology.
• Basic math skills and ability to learn to interpret process sheets, production records, and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist experienced process technicians with setup, adjustment, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding machines.
• Learn to establish and maintain proper molding conditions per process sheets and quality requirements.
• Assist with mold changes, including installation/removal under supervision after training.
• Learn to identify mold components and basic mold functions (core logic, ejector systems).
• Develop understanding of auxiliary equipment (dryers, hoppers, color mixers, loaders, robots, etc.).
• Assist with setup and operation of auxiliary equipment, automation, and robotics as trained.
• Learn to verify water, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical connections for molds and equipment.
• Monitor production, inspect in-process parts for conformance to quality standards.
• Learn to troubleshoot common molding defects and root causes of issues.
• Follow production schedules, prioritize work, and support startups and mold changes.
• Assist with material and color changes as required.
• Provide mechanical and production support to molding operators and Resin Handlers.
• Complete startup procedures, first-piece submissions, and required quality approvals.
• Access and verify job info, BOMs, quality alerts, deviations, and production records.
• Document process changes and shift activities accurately in IQMS or other systems.
• Assist with preventive maintenance, TPM activities, and simple tooling maintenance.
• Report equipment breakdowns and maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Follow lockout/tagout, safety rules, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Mechanical Aptitude

Accountability and Dependability

Positive Attitude

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Willingness to Learn

Focus on working safely

Analytical Thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

IQMS

Job description

Summary

The Molding Process Technician Apprentice participates in on-the-job training and technical instruction to develop the skills necessary to become a qualified Molding Process Technician. Under the guidance of experienced process technicians and other molding personnel, the apprentice learns to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce quality parts that meet customer requirements.

The apprentice will develop knowledge of injection molding processes, mold changes, auxiliary equipment, robotics, process troubleshooting, and quality standards. The position requires a strong commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement while following company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Accountability and Dependability
• Positive Attitude
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Willingness to Learn
• Focus on working safely
• Analytical Thinking

Training Requirements

• Customer Specific
• Departmental Specific
• Environmental Systems
• Health and Safety Awareness and Regulations
• IATF/ISO Related Training
• Quality Management Systems - CQAM.00001 Quality Management Systems Manual

Job Duties

• Assist experienced process technicians with the setup, adjustment, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding machines.
• Learn to establish and maintain proper molding conditions in accordance with approved process sheets and customer quality requirements.
• Assist with mold changes, including mold installation and removal, under appropriate supervision and after completing required training.
• Learn to identify mold components and understand basic mold functions, including core logic, ejector systems, and related tooling components.
• Develop an understanding of auxiliary equipment used in the molding process, including dryers, hoppers, color mixers, loaders, Thermarator’s, circulators, grinders, hot runner controllers, robots, and sprue pickers.
• Assist with the setup and operation of auxiliary equipment, automation, assembly equipment, and robotic systems as trained and authorized.
• Learn to connect and verify water, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical connections associated with molds and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor production processes and inspect in-process parts to verify conformity with established quality standards.
• Learn to recognize and troubleshoot common molding defects, including flash, short shots, and other process-related quality issues.
• Assist with process troubleshooting and learn to identify potential root causes of equipment, tooling, and quality problems.
• Learn to follow production schedules, prioritize assigned work, and support timely production startups and mold changes.
• Assist with material and color changes as required.
• Provide mechanical and production support to molding operators and assist Resin Handlers with material-related activities as needed.
• Learn to complete production startup procedures, first-piece submissions, and required quality approvals before production continues, in accordance with established procedures.
• Learn to access and verify job information, bills of material, quality alerts, deviations, and production records.
• Document process changes, shift activities, inspections, and other required information accurately and promptly, including applicable entries in IQMS or other company systems.
• Assist with routine machine and tooling preventative maintenance, total productive maintenance (TPM) activities, and simple tool maintenance as trained.
• Communicate equipment breakdowns and maintenance concerns to the appropriate personnel and report tooling issues to the supervisor or process engineering team.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, environmental requirements, and established work instructions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Recognize and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, and potential quality concerns.
• Participate in required apprenticeship coursework, practical training, and skills assessments.
• Identify opportunities to improve process capability, product quality, production yields, productivity, and equipment reliability as knowledge and experience develop.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, injection molding, or industrial process technology.
• Good mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical processes and equipment operation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Basic math skills and the ability to learn to interpret process sheets, production records, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products.
• Dependability, accountability, flexibility, and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks or as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, mold setup, and injection molding processes.
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and adapt to changing production needs.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete required production and quality documentation.
• Commitment to following company safety procedures, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
• Willingness to attend related classes at a local collage of Ventra’s choosing

Working Conditions

• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial machinery, production equipment, noise, heat, and other manufacturing-related hazards.
• Ability to work various shifts and overtime as required by manufacturing needs.
• Ability to perform physical activities associated with manufacturing, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, if this accurately reflects the essential job functions.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, safety glasses, and other equipment as required by the task and facility.