Plastic Injection Molding Technician

PlasticStaffing.com; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Plastic Staffing is partnering with a plastics manufacturer in Virginia to hire a hands-on Molding Technician for injection molding operations. The role involves setting up machines, mold changes, and maintaining quality on equipment up to 160 tons.

The selected candidate will start on First Shift for training, then transition to Second Shift as training progresses; a valid passport is required, and relocation assistance is offered for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding equipment.
• Ability to tear down and set up molds and machines.

Responsibilities

• Perform mold removal, teardown, cleaning, inspection, preparation, and installation.
• Set up injection molding machines and prepare equipment for production.
• Perform production mold changes and equipment changeovers.
• Operate injection molding machines while monitoring cycle times and part quality.
• Support molding operations on machines up to ~160 tons.
• Troubleshoot basic molding issues and escalate complex problems.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and complete MES entries.

Skills

Mold setup

Injection molding

Machinery operation

Quality inspection

Troubleshooting

Lean Manufacturing

Safety conscious

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Injection molding machines

Mold changes

Molds & tooling

Job description

Compensation: $20–$27/hour + Shift Differential

Location: Virginia (Relocation assistance offered for qualified candidates)

Type: Full-Time position

Schedule: 2-2-3 rotating 12-hour schedule (Panama Schedule): 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, followed by 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off.

Position Summary

We are partnering with an established plastics manufacturer to identify a hands‑on Molding Technician to support its injection molding operations.

This is a hands‑on technical position for an individual who can work directly with injection molding machines, molds, tooling, and related production equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience tearing down, setting up, changing molds, and operating injection molding machinery, preferably with equipment up to approximately 160 tons.

The company is open to training the right candidate on its specific injection molding machines and processes. Prior experience with a particular machine manufacturer is not required. Candidates with strong practical molding experience, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to learn new equipment are encouraged to apply!

The selected candidate will initially train and work on First Shift to become familiar with the company's equipment, processes, quality standards, and production requirements. Following successful completion of the training/probationary period, the candidate will transition to Second Shift. The anticipated transition depends on training progress and business needs. A valid passport is required for this position.

Requirements

• Perform mold removal, teardown, cleaning, inspection, preparation, and installation.
• Set up injection molding machines and prepare equipment for production.
• Perform production mold changes and equipment changeovers.
• Operate injection molding machines while monitoring machine operation, cycle times, and part quality.
• Support molding operations on machines up to approximately 160 tons.
• Verify molds, tooling, machine settings, and auxiliary equipment are properly prepared before production.
• Monitor molding processes and identify issues affecting production or part quality.
• Perform basic process adjustments within established procedures and parameters.
• Troubleshoot basic molding, tooling, and equipment issues and elevate complex problems when necessary.
• Work closely with Production and Maintenance to minimize downtime and maintain equipment readiness.
• Support production startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and routine molding activities.
• Maintain molds, tooling, machines, and work areas in clean and production-ready condition.
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, quality requirements, and established safety procedures.
• Complete required production records, process documentation, and MES entries.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete initial First Shift training and successfully transition to Second Shift following the training/probationary period.
• Maintain reliable attendance and demonstrate flexibility during the transition from First Shift to Second Shift.
• Safely handle molds, tooling, production equipment, and related materials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience, preferably in plastics or injection molding.
• Hands‑on experience setting up, operating, changing over, or supporting injection molding equipment.
• Ability to tear down and set up injection molding machines and molds.
• Practical understanding of injection molding processes and production environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial machinery and tooling.
• Basic understanding of molding process parameters, cycle times, and production quality.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-identification skills.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, work instructions, production documentation, and safety procedures.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a production team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability and willingness to learn the company's specific injection molding equipment and processes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to initially work First Shift for training and transition to Second Shift after the probationary/training period.

Preferred Experience

• Process Technician experience within a plastics manufacturing environment.
• Molding Operator experience that includes machine setup and mold changes.
• Mold Change Technician or Mold Technician experience.
• Experience operating or setting up injection molding machines up to approximately 160 tons.
• Prior thermoplastic processing experience during 2nd or 3rd shift.
• Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Continuous Improvement exposure.
• Technical training or coursework in plastics, manufacturing, mechanical systems, or a related field.

Confidential Application

If your background aligns with the Molding Technician opportunity and you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to apply for confidential consideration. Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss the opportunity in greater detail. No information will be shared with our client without your knowledge and approval.

Plastic Staffing | A Division of National Search Group, Inc.

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Email: [e-mail]

Plastic Staffing is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.