Plastic Injection Molding Setup Technician

Accelera; Sparta (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera in Wisconsin is seeking a Plastic Injection Molding Setup Technician to join our production team. You will manage mold swaps, equipment configuration, and initial runs, ensuring a smooth move from setup to stable production.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Niigata and Toyo systems, can independently drive a job from start-up to consistent cycles, and demonstrates strong mechanical instincts.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to independently configure and operate Niigata and Toyo machinery.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in Niigata and Toyo equipment operation.
• Proven capability to execute mold changes effectively.
• Strong background in plastic injection molding processes.
• Expertise in machine setup procedures.
• Advanced skills in equipment troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Execute mold transitions on injection molding systems with safety and efficiency in mind.
• Prepare and configure Niigata and Toyo injection molding hardware for active production.
• Install and secure molds, ensuring all connections are properly integrated.
• Calibrate temperatures, injection speeds, pressures, and other critical process variables.
• Configure and test auxiliary components like dryers, loaders, chillers, and robots.
• Validate machine parameters against setup documentation and benchmarks.
• Transition equipment from startup to stable production and document settings.

Skills

Mold setup

Machine troubleshooting

Injection molding

Equipment configuration

Mold changes

Tools

Niigata equipment

Toyo equipment

Job description

We are currently looking for a skilled Plastic Injection Molding Setup Technician to become a key member of our production team. In this role, you will manage essential tasks including mold swaps, equipment configuration, initiating production runs, fine-tuning processes, and resolving technical issues with injection molding systems.

The ideal professional for this position possesses practical experience with plastic injection molding hardware, specifically Niigata and Toyo systems, and demonstrates the capability to independently manage a job from initial setup through to a consistent, high-quality production phase.

This is a hands-on role that demands sharp mechanical instincts, meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical problem-solving abilities, and the agility to address equipment and production challenges as they arise.

Schedule and Compensation

First Shift: 6AM - 4PM, Monday through Thursday, with overtime available as needed. The pay range is $26-$30 per hour, commensurate with your experience.

Mold and Machine Configuration

• Execute mold transitions on injection molding systems with a focus on safety and efficiency.
• Prepare and configure Niigata and Toyo injection molding hardware for active production.
• Install and secure molds, ensuring all water lines, hot runners, hydraulics, and other necessary connections are properly integrated.
• Validate machine parameters by referencing setup documentation, operational instructions, and established process benchmarks.
• Calibrate barrel and mold temperatures, injection speeds, pressure settings, screw speeds, back pressure, cooling intervals, and other critical process variables.
• Configure and test auxiliary components such as dryers, loaders, chillers, temperature controllers, granulators, robots, and material handling systems.
• Confirm that the correct mold, raw materials, colorants, inserts, and production components are in place before initiating a job.
• Ensure all machine, mold, and peripheral equipment connections are fully secured to help maintain a safe and reliable working environment.

Startup and Process Optimization

• Transition injection molding equipment from initial startup to a state of stable production.
• Perform machine purging and preparation as required for production cycles.
• Develop robust molding processes and implement adjustments to ensure the consistent production of high-quality parts.
• Conduct initial sample runs following mold changes and perform necessary process refinements.
• Validate that all components meet established quality, dimensional, and aesthetic standards before authorizing the machine for full production.
• Observe machine performance during the startup phase and throughout the duration of the production run.
• Document and maintain machine settings in strict accordance with company protocols to ensure process repeatability.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

• Analyze and resolve issues involving injection molding machines, molds, raw materials, and auxiliary equipment.
• Diagnose and rectify molding defects to ensure optimal output.
• Evaluate whether operational challenges stem from machine settings, mold conditions, material properties, temperature, cooling, or equipment failure.
• Execute precise process adjustments to resolve issues while upholding part quality and cycle-time targets.
• Respond to machine alarms and address production interruptions to minimize downtime.
• Identify mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical faults to determine when specialized maintenance intervention is necessary.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to address recurring technical challenges.
• Assist in identifying root causes to implement long-term solutions that prevent future issues and improve overall reliability.

Production Support

• Provide guidance to production operators post-setup to ensure they are equipped with a stable and efficient process.
• Address machine and process-related complications throughout the duration of your shift.
• Work to minimize machine downtime, material scrap, and production interruptions to boost operational efficiency.
• Track cycle times and maintain process consistency to meet production goals.
• Support mold and job changeovers as dictated by the production schedule.
• Contribute to efficient production workflows while strictly adhering to all quality and safety standards.
• Report all machine, mold, material, and process concerns to the relevant Supervisor or Manager.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to independently configure and operate Niigata and Toyo machinery.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in Niigata and Toyo equipment operation.
• Proven capability to execute mold changes effectively.
• Strong background in plastic injection molding processes.
• Expertise in machine setup procedures.
• Advanced skills in equipment troubleshooting and diagnostics.