Senior Injection Molding Process Technician

SCHAEFER PLASTICS NA LLC; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics NA LLC in Charlotte, NC is seeking a senior Process Technician III to lead complex injection molding setups, optimize processes, and mentor technicians. This hands-on, non-exempt role emphasizes technical leadership, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, and Maintenance.

You will drive process improvements, coordinate technical priorities, and support trials, mold launches, and documentation updates while prioritizing safety and quality

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.

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.
• Support trials, new mold launches, process validation, documentation updates, and transfer of technical knowledge to production teams.

Job description

Schaefer Plastics NA LLC in Charlotte, NC is seeking a senior Process Technician III to lead complex injection molding setups, optimize processes, and mentor technicians. This hands-on, non-exempt role emphasizes technical leadership, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, and Maintenance.

You will drive process improvements, coordinate technical priorities, and support trials, mold launches, and documentation updates while prioritizing safety and quality