Precision Injection Mold Toolmaker (Hot Runner Systems)

Holland Sharpe Inc.; New Albany (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Holland Sharpe Inc. on the Indiana shop floor performs precision mold/toolmaking for plastic injection molds, including hot runner systems, with a focus on set-up, fitting, and testing in presses.

The role requires interpretation of blueprints, meticulous measurement, and close collaboration with design teams to ensure manufacturability and defect-free tooling. You will repair and modify molds, manage tool-room setups, and document inspections while maintaining tight tolerances and adhering to

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal apprenticeship, technical school mold/tool-making program, or equivalent five-year in-house training.
• 5+ years of mold-making experience preferred.
• Strong background with plastic injection molds; hot runner system experience highly preferred.
• Expert blueprint reading and mechanical troubleshooting abilities.
• Hands-on proficiency with precision measuring and gauging tools.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain plastic injection molds across sizes and configurations.
• Interpret blueprints and reverse-engineer from existing parts.
• Plan and execute tool-room setups based on materials, tolerances, feeds, and speeds.
• Fit and assemble mold components, tools, and dies with precision.
• Set up, run, and test molds in injection molding presses to ensure parts meet spec.
• Diagnose mold issues, identify root causes, and perform corrective repairs.
• Measure and inspect work before, during, and after machining to maintain tight tolerances.

Skills

Mold making

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Precision measurement

Machining

Welding

Heat treating

CNC Milling

CNC Lathe

Education

Apprenticeship

Tools

CNC Milling

CNC Lathe

Jig Grinder

Mold tooling equipment

Job description

Precision Injection Mold Toolmaker (Hot Runner Systems)A day in this role: You arrive on the shop floor, review a complex hot runner tool scheduled for a modification, study the blueprint and prior repair notes, and map out your setup. You select tooling, dial in feeds and speeds, and machine components to tight tolerances. After a meticulous fit-up and assembly, you move the mold to the press, run a test shot, and troubleshoot a gate balance issue. By afternoon, you’re collaborating with design and processing teams on a new part, highlighting manufacturability risks and proposing tooling solutions. You wrap up by documenting inspections, heat-treating a repaired insert, and staging a jig-grinding setup for tomorrow.What you will doBuild, repair, modify, and maintain plastic injection molds across a range of sizes and configurations.Interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, written instructions, and reverse-engineer from existing parts.Plan and execute tool-room machine setups based on materials, tolerances, feeds, and speeds.Fit and assemble mold components, tools, and dies with precision and care.Set up, run, and test molds in injection molding presses to confirm parts meet specification.Diagnose mold/tooling issues, identify root causes, and perform corrective repairs or modifications.Measure and inspect work before, during, and after machining to maintain tight tolerances.Use precision measuring and gauging instruments to verify critical dimensions.Perform welding and heat treatment on components as needed.Apply skilled use of hand tools and tool-room equipment for accurate modifications and repairs.Support injection molding press repairs or overhauls when required.Partner with product designers and engineering to surface manufacturability or tooling risks on new designs.Safely operate cranes, boring machines, machine tools, mold presses, and other mold-making equipment.Work closely with processors, maintenance, quality, mold setters, supervisors, and production teams to resolve tooling and production challenges.Qualifications that set you up for successCompletion of a formal apprenticeship, technical school mold/tool-making program, or equivalent five-year in-house training.5+ years of mold-making experience preferred.Strong background with plastic injection molds; hot runner system experience highly preferred.Expert blueprint reading and mechanical troubleshooting abilities.Hands-on proficiency with precision measuring and gauging tools.Depth in mold fitting, assembly, machining, welding, and repair.Proven ability to troubleshoot and adjust molds during production.Exceptional manual dexterity for delicate, high-value tooling work.Self-directed, organized, and effective with minimal supervision.Clear communicator and pragmatic problem solver.Physical and work environmentWork is primarily on the manufacturing/shop floor around injection molding presses, heavy tooling, and machine-shop equipment. Strict adherence to safety procedures is essential.Lift up to 60 pounds and safely position mold components and equipment.Good corrected vision and manual dexterity for blueprint reading, precision measurements, mold inspection, and detailed tooling work.Core proficienciesMechanical troubleshootingInjection moldingTool/die/mold setupBlueprint readingMachines and technologiesCNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)Injection Molding MachineCNC Lathe (2-4 axis)Manual Vertical MillJig Grinder