Process Technician II

Socket.dev; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC is looking for a Process Technician II to set up, start, optimize, and troubleshoot high-volume injection molding processes. You will handle complex changeovers, edit robot programs, and support less-experienced technicians while safeguarding safety, quality, uptime, and scrap performance.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in injection molding, experience with robots and auxiliary equipment, and strong documentation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Mechanical and process troubleshooting across injection molding lines.
• Safety, quality discipline, and proper documentation are required.
• Clear shift-to-shift communication and training of Level I technicians.

Responsibilities

• Independently complete mold changes, startups, job changes, and changeovers across equipment.
• Analyze molding conditions and adjust process parameters to restore stability.
• Troubleshoot molds, heating, hydraulics, and robotic systems.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Process troubleshooting

Safety discipline

Shift communication

Documentation

Teamwork

Adaptability

Tools

Industrial robots

Overhead cranes

Mold heaters

Material-handling systems

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 fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Summary

The Process Technician II independently sets up, starts, optimizes, and troubleshoots injection molding processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This experienced technician handles complex changeovers and process issues, edits established robot programs, and supports less-experienced technicians while protecting safety, quality, uptime, and scrap performance.

What You’ll Do

• Independently complete mold changes, machine startups, job changes, hot-stamp setups, and version changes across assigned equipment.
• Analyze molding conditions and adjust pressure, speed, temperature, back pressure, transfer position, cooling, and related parameters to restore process stability.
• Troubleshoot mold heat, thermocouple, water, hydraulic, material, auxiliary-equipment, and robotic issues.
• Download, save, edit, name, and validate existing machine and robot programs following change-control requirements.
• Use electrical meters, water diagrams, circuit diagrams, setup documentation, and process data to isolate problems.
• Coach Level I technicians on standard work, safe changeovers, machine controls, and troubleshooting methods.
• Recommend practical improvements that reduce scrap, shorten changeovers, improve cycle performance, or prevent repeat problems.
• 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 II

Successful Level II technicians work independently across multiple machines and molds, restore stable processes efficiently, solve recurring problems methodically, and strengthen the skills of the technicians around them.

Qualifications

• Typically three or more years of injection molding Process Technician experience, or an equivalent combination of training and demonstrated competency.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set molds, start machines, establish stable processes, and troubleshoot common molding defects.
• Experience with industrial robots, auxiliary equipment, overhead cranes, mold heaters, and material‑handling systems.
• Working knowledge of injection molding variables, processing windows, clamp‑tonnage considerations, hot‑ and cold‑runner systems, and mold‑protection principles.
• Ability to read and apply technical instructions, setup sheets, schematics, process data, and quality standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly, document troubleshooting actions, and help train less‑experienced employees.
• Ability to demonstrate required Level II competencies through Schaefer’s skills assessment and practical evaluation.

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 $29.00–$35.00 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.