Precision Injection Mold Toolmaker (Plastics)

Cortina Plastics; Franklin Park (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cortina Plastics is seeking a Moldmaker for first shift to design and build injection molds per CAD data and drawings. You will own mold projects, coordinate tasks, and supply timely updates to the Director of Tooling & Engineering.

The role emphasizes precision and adherence to documentation and data standards. Requirements include a high school diploma, trade school, and hands-on moldmaking experience in plastic injection molding.

Qualifications

• HS diploma and trade school completion required.
• Hands-on Moldmaker experience in plastic injection molding preferred.
• Ability to read part and mold prints/specifications and translate to builds.
• Build injection molds to exact dimensions using 3D CAD data and drawings.
• Proficient with precision metrology tools: micrometers, calipers, gage blocks.

Responsibilities

• Produce injection mold tooling to design intent and schedule.
• Own mold build projects from kickoff to completion, assign tasks, ensure data availability.
• Provide regular status reports to Director of Tooling & Engineering.
• Build robust assembly and machining fixtures for manufacturing.
• Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and insert changeovers.

Skills

Print reading

Metrology proficiency

Team collaboration

General mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma

Trade School completion

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Windows

CNC/EDM machining

Job description

Shape the tools that shape productsPicture your day on first shift: you review the latest mold design package, translate 3D CAD data into a build plan, and move seamlessly from CAD/CAM to the floor—setting up CNC, EDM, mills, and grinders to produce precision components. You verify critical dimensions with micrometers, calipers, and gage blocks, assemble the mold, and document progress so the Director of Tooling & Engineering has a clear, timely update. In the afternoon, you might pivot to assist on a teammate’s build, swap inserts for a quick changeover, or bring a legacy tool back to peak condition with preventive maintenance.What you will doProduce injection mold tooling to design intent and schedule, applying company and industry standards.Own mold build projects from kickoff to completion—assigning tasks, clarifying timelines, and ensuring teammates have the drawings and data they need.Provide regular status reports to the Director of Tooling & Engineering.Support other projects as a contributing team member; flag risks early and help resolve blockers quickly.Build robust assembly and machining fixtures to support manufacturing.Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and insert changeovers on existing tools.What you bringHigh School Diploma plus completion of Trade School.Hands-on background as a Moldmaker or Moldmaker Apprentice in plastic injection molding.Fluency in reading part and mold prints/specifications and translating them into accurate builds.Proven ability to build injection molds to exact dimensions using 3D CAD data, component drawings, and related specifications.Skill with precision metrology tools (micrometers, calipers, gage blocks, etc.).Working knowledge of Windows and CAD/CAM software.Practical experience operating CNC machines, EDM, manual mills, and surface grinders.Work environment & physical requirementsFirst Shift.Ability to spend about 90% of the day on your feet, working or standing.Capable of lifting 55 lbs. and moving heavy items with a crane or forklift; comfortable climbing and maneuvering safely around machinery.Frequent work in non-climate-controlled, high-noise production and warehouse areas; appropriate PPE is required.Compensation: $40.00 - $45.00 p/h + benefitsThis description outlines the core scope of the role and may be updated by the Company to reflect evolving business needs.