Setup Technician

Top Quality Recruitment (TQR); Pennsauken Township (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Quality Recruitment (TQR) is seeking a skilled Setup Technician in New Jersey to independently manage mold and trim-tool changeovers on thin-gauge thermoforming lines using PET, APET, or rPET. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in high-volume plastics environments, reduces changeover times, and can diagnose mechanical/electrical issues during start-ups to maintain quality and uptime.

Experience with servo-driven systems, preventive maintenance, and web handling is highly valued, and

Qualifications

• Hands-on thermoforming setup experience in a plastics environment.
• Experience reducing changeover times and scrap.
• Familiarity with automated thermoforming equipment and servo-driven systems.
• Preventive maintenance and basic mechanical/electrical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform complete mold and tooling installations and production line changeovers.
• Align, position, and clamp molds for proper operation and quality.
• Set up plug assist systems, trim tooling, rails, and web paths.
• Complete machine startups from cold start to first-good-piece and stable production.
• Set heater zones, timing, vacuum/air settings, and forming parameters after changeovers.
• Monitor startup process and adjust to ensure consistent quality.
• Diagnose and resolve setup-related issues (material sag, web tracking, heating, servo faults).
• Read setup sheets and docs to establish machine parameters.
• Identify opportunities to reduce changeover time, downtime, and scrap.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance to resolve issues.
• Maintain a safe, organized work environment following safety procedures.

Skills

Thermoforming setup

High-volume plastics

Changeover reduction

Preventive maintenance

Job description

The Setup Technician will independently complete full mold and tooling installations, production line changeovers, machine startups, process adjustments, and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have direct experience setting up thin-gauge, roll-fed thermoforming equipment using PET, APET, and/or rPET.

Key Activities

• Independently perform complete mold and tooling installations and production line changeovers.
• Align, position, and clamp molds to ensure proper operation and product quality.
• Set up and adjust plug assist systems, trim tooling, trim presses, rails, chains, and web paths.
• Complete machine startups from a cold start through first-good-piece approval and stable production.
• Set and adjust heater zones, machine timing, vacuum and air settings, and forming parameters following changeovers.
• Monitor equipment during startup and make necessary process adjustments to achieve consistent product quality.
• Diagnose and resolve setup-related issues, including material sag, web tracking problems, heating inconsistencies, and servo/drive faults.
• Read and utilize setup sheets and technical documentation to establish proper machine parameters.
• Identify opportunities to reduce changeover time, setup downtime, and production scrap.
• Work closely with production and maintenance teams to resolve equipment and process issues.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment while following all company safety procedures.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a high-volume plastics or thermoforming manufacturing environment.
• Experience reducing changeover times and material scrap.
• Familiarity with automated thermoforming equipment and servo-driven systems.
• Experience with preventive maintenance and basic mechanical/electrical troubleshooting.

Education and Experience

• Previous hands-on experience as a Thermoforming Setup Technician, Process Technician, Machine Setup Technician, or similar manufacturing role.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform a complete mold and trim-tool changeover.
• Experience with thin-gauge, roll-fed thermoforming.
• Experience processing PET, APET, and/or rPET materials.
• Strong understanding of thermoforming processes, tooling, heating, vacuum/air systems, forming parameters, and web handling.

Finding a great opportunity that fosters growth, a great culture, and leadership opportunities can be difficult. Top Quality Recruitment (TQR) connects professionals with leadership opportunities across the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Medical Devices, and Biotechnology industries. With 50+ years of experience, we believe in one-to-one communication and finding the best candidate/employer match possible.

TQR is an equal‑opportunity employer that encourages diversity. We will consider all applications.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.