Process Technician III (Injection Molding Plastics)

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC is seeking a Process Technician III to lead complex injection molding setup, optimization, troubleshooting, and technical leadership on a 24/7 manufacturing floor. This hands-on, non-exempt role mentors technicians, drives process improvements, and may cover lead responsibilities when needed.

The position emphasizes strong troubleshooting, robotics, and data-analysis skills, with opportunities to mentor others and ensure production goals are met safely and

Qualifications

• Typically, five or more years of progressive injection molding Process Technician experience.
• Mastery of injection molding fundamentals, process optimization, molding defects, pressure and velocity control, transfer, back pressure, decompression, clamp requirements, and hot-runner systems.
• Advanced experience with industrial robots, end-of-arm tooling, auxiliary equipment, machine controls, and safe mold-change practices.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical problem-solving, perform root-cause analysis, and communicate clear recovery or improvement plans.
• Experience training or mentoring technicians and working effectively across Production, Maintenance, Quality, Tooling, and Engineering.
• Strong computer, documentation, and data-analysis skills; formal plastics or scientific molding training is preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate required Level III competencies through Schaefer’s skills assessment and practical evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead diagnosis and correction of complex or recurring issues involving machines, molds, robotics, hot runners, process conditions, materials, and auxiliary systems.
• Establish and optimize robust processing windows using scientific molding principles, machine data, part quality, and cycle-performance results.
• Create, modify, validate, and document machine and robot programs within authorized change-control requirements.
• Guide technicians through difficult startups and troubleshooting events while keeping production leadership informed of risk, downtime, and recovery plans.
• Mentor and train Process Technician I and II employees; reinforce standard work and help evaluate practical skills and training needs.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Engineering, and Safety on root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase output, reduce cycle time and scrap, improve changeover performance, and prevent repeat failures.
• When assigned, help prioritize technician calls, coordinate shift technical coverage, support handoffs, and provide lead coverage without independently administering discipline or other formal supervisory actions.
• Support trials, new mold launches, process validation, documentation updates, and transfer of technical knowledge to production teams.
• 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

Process troubleshooting

Mold setup

Robotics operation

Data analysis

Documentation

Safety discipline

Team leadership

Education

Plastics or scientific molding training preferred

Tools

Industrial robots

End-of-arm tooling

Machine controls

Safety equipment

Job description

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.

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

Process Technician III is a senior technical resource responsible for complex injection molding setup, optimization, troubleshooting, and technical leadership. This role mentors other technicians, drives process improvements, and may coordinate technical priorities or cover lead responsibilities when assigned. It is a hands-on, non-exempt position and does not replace formal supervisory accountability.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the diagnosis and correction of complex or recurring issues involving machines, molds, robotics, hot runners, process conditions, materials, and auxiliary systems.
• Establish and optimize robust processing windows using scientific molding principles, machine data, part quality, and cycle-performance results.
• Create, modify, validate, and document machine and robot programs within authorized change-control requirements.
• Guide technicians through difficult startups and troubleshooting events while keeping production leadership informed of risk, downtime, and recovery plans.
• Mentor and train Process Technician I and II employees; reinforce standard work and help evaluate practical skills and training needs.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Engineering, and Safety on root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase output, reduce cycle time and scrap, improve changeover performance, and prevent repeat failures.
• When assigned, help prioritize technician calls, coordinate shift technical coverage, support handoffs, and provide lead coverage without independently administering discipline or other formal supervisory actions.
• Support trials, new mold launches, process validation, documentation updates, and transfer of technical knowledge to production teams.
• 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 III

Successful Level III technicians are trusted technical leaders who resolve the toughest processing problems, prevent repeat failures, develop other technicians, and improve safety, quality, uptime, cycle performance, and scrap results.

Qualifications

• Typically, five or more years of progressive injection molding Process Technician experience, including advanced setup, processing, and troubleshooting responsibility.
• Demonstrated mastery of injection molding fundamentals, process optimization, molding defects, pressure and velocity control, transfer, back pressure, decompression, clamp requirements, and hot-runner systems.
• Advanced experience with industrial robots, end-of-arm tooling, auxiliary equipment, machine controls, and safe mold-change practices.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical problem-solving, perform root-cause analysis, and communicate clear recovery or improvement plans.
• Experience training or mentoring technicians and working effectively across Production, Maintenance, Quality, Tooling, and Engineering.
• Strong computer, documentation, and data-analysis skills; formal plastics or scientific molding training is preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate required Level III 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 $35.00–$42.00 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.