Senior Process Technician: Injection Molding

Socket.dev; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics is seeking a Process Technician III for a hands-on, senior level role in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. You will oversee complex injection molding setups, optimize processes, troubleshoot issues, and mentor junior technicians to drive safety, quality, and efficiency.

In this role, you will collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling and Engineering to perform root-cause analyses, implement improvements, and ensure consistent product quality across shifts.

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 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.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety discipline

Shift communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Adaptability

Tools

Industrial robots

End-of-arm tooling

Machine controls

Job description

Schaefer Plastics is seeking a Process Technician III for a hands-on, senior level role in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. You will oversee complex injection molding setups, optimize processes, troubleshoot issues, and mentor junior technicians to drive safety, quality, and efficiency.

In this role, you will collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling and Engineering to perform root-cause analyses, implement improvements, and ensure consistent product quality across shifts.