Process Technician I (Injection Molding, Plastics)

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC in Charlotte, NC, is seeking a Process Technician I to support the safe and efficient operation of injection molding equipment. This developmental-level role performs mold changes, machine startups, and basic process adjustments while building proficiency across Schaefer’s systems.

The position emphasizes following setup sheets, maintaining equipment, and documenting production, quality, and shift activities.

Qualifications

• One or more years of hands-on manufacturing, mold-setting, machine setup, or related technical experience preferred.
• Injection molding experience or formal plastics/process training strongly preferred.
• Ability to follow setup sheets, work instructions, safety rules, and escalation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Complete standard mold changes and startups with guidance, following approved setup sheets and procedures.
• Recognize common process and quality problems and make approved adjustments within established parameters.
• Load, reference, and make basic setpoint adjustments to existing robot programs.
• Identify when a problem requires assistance from a higher-level Process Technician, Maintenance, Quality, or supervision.
• Develop working knowledge of resin and regrind requirements, mold versions, hot-stamp setups, and machine-specific safety controls.
• Monitor injection molding machines and respond promptly to process-related issues to reduce downtime and scrap.
• Start up and adjust machines to support safe, efficient production and consistent product quality.
• Perform mold changes, insert changes, version changes, and date-code verification according to established procedures.
• Set up and operate auxiliary equipment used in the injection molding process.
• Set up, reference, and operate robotic material-handling equipment appropriate to the assigned level.
• Complete first-piece verification and required production, mold-change, and shift documentation accurately.
• Inspect in-process and finished product; identify defects and take or elevate corrective action.
• Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs involving machines, molds, heaters, thermocouples, and auxiliary equipment.
• Follow lockout/tagout, crane and sling inspection, machine-guarding, PPE, and all other safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and communicate production or quality concerns during shift handoffs.
• Perform other duties and provide overtime or shift coverage as assigned based on business needs.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Process troubleshooting

Safety discipline

Shift communication

Documentation

Adaptability

Job description

About Schaefer Plastics

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture foster personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Summary

The Process Technician I supports the safe and efficient operation of injection molding equipment. This developmental-level role performs standard mold and job changes, machine startups, basic process adjustments, and routine troubleshooting while building proficiency across Schaefer’s machines, molds, robots, and auxiliary systems.

What You’ll Do

• Complete standard mold changes and startups with guidance, following approved setup sheets and procedures.
• Recognize common process and quality problems and make approved adjustments within established parameters.
• Load, reference, and make basic setpoint adjustments to existing robot programs.
• Identify when a problem requires assistance from a higher-level Process Technician, Maintenance, Quality, or supervision.
• Develop working knowledge of resin and regrind requirements, mold versions, hot-stamp setups, and machine-specific safety controls.
• Monitor injection molding machines and respond promptly to process-related issues to reduce downtime and scrap.
• Start up and adjust machines to support safe, efficient production and consistent product quality.
• Perform mold changes, insert changes, version changes, and date-code verification according to established procedures.
• Set up and operate auxiliary equipment used in the injection molding process.
• Set up, reference, and operate robotic material-handling equipment appropriate to the assigned level.
• Complete first-piece verification and required production, mold-change, and shift documentation accurately.
• Inspect in-process and finished product; identify defects and take or elevate corrective action.
• Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs involving machines, molds, heaters, thermocouples, and auxiliary equipment.
• Follow lockout/tagout, crane and sling inspection, machine-guarding, PPE, and all other safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and communicate production or quality concerns during shift handoffs.
• Perform other duties and provide overtime or shift coverage as assigned based on business needs.

What Distinguishes Level I

Successful Level I technicians safely complete routine changes and startups, recognize abnormal conditions, make basic approved adjustments, document their work accurately, and ask for support before quality or equipment risks increase.

Qualifications

• One or more years of hands-on manufacturing, mold-setting, machine setup, or related technical experience preferred.
• Injection molding experience or formal plastics/process training is strongly preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools and measuring devices safely.
• Ability to follow setup sheets, work instructions, safety rules, and escalation procedures.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete electronic and written production records.
• Willingness and ability to complete Schaefer’s technical training and demonstrate required Level I competencies.

Core Skills

• Mechanical and process troubleshooting
• Safety and quality discipline
• Clear shift-to-shift communication
• Teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Organization, documentation, and follow-through
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Schedule and Attendance

This position supports a 24/7 manufacturing operation and may be assigned to a rotating 12-hour day or night schedule, including weekends and holidays. Overtime, schedule changes, and shift coverage may be required based on production needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, elevated work areas, and moderate to loud noise.
• Regularly stand and walk; use hands and arms; and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and work safely around injection molding machines, robots, cranes, molds, and auxiliary equipment.

Compensation

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $24.00–$29.00 per hour. The actual starting rate will be based on relevant experience, demonstrated technical capability, shift assignment, internal equity, and other job-related factors. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Schaefer Plastics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicant Data & Privacy Notice

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC collects and uses the personal information you provide during the application and recruiting process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you, schedule interviews, make hiring decisions, and, if selected, complete offer and onboarding activities. Applicant information may include your resume, contact information, work history, education, skills, interview notes, references, and other information you choose to provide or that is needed for the position. Please do not submit sensitive personal information irrelevant to the role, such as Social Security numbers, banking information, medical information, copies of identification, or other unnecessary personal documents, unless specifically requested at the appropriate stage of the hiring process. Your information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know for recruiting and hiring purposes, such as Human Resources, recruiters, hiring managers, interview participants, and approved service providers or systems used in the recruiting process. Applicant information will not be forwarded to other departments, locations, or legal entities, or considered for unrelated future openings unless permitted by law or you have provided the required consent. Applicant records will be retained only as long as necessary for recruiting, legal, compliance, and recordkeeping purposes, and then deleted or destroyed in accordance with applicable retention requirements. If we would like to keep your information on file for future opportunities, we will request your consent where required.

Questions about how applicant data is handled may be directed to Human Resources or to the appropriate SSI SCHAEFER data protection contact.