Technician 1 (Molding) - Shift 3

Summit Polymers, Inc.; Sturgis, Blacksburg (SD, MI, VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Mold Technician 1, where you'll engage in hands-on technical work in the automotive industry. This role involves managing molding machine setups, performing quality checks, and ensuring compliance with safety procedures. You'll be part of a team that values continuous improvement and quality, with opportunities for career advancement through structured training programs. If you're eager to work in a challenging environment and contribute to innovative automotive solutions, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Completion of post-hire training modules within specified time frame.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds repeatedly and stand for entire shift.

Responsibilities

• Perform injection mold changes and machine start-ups safely.
• Troubleshoot basic machine and robot problems effectively.

Skills

Mechanical Reasoning

Basic Troubleshooting

Injection Molding

Lean Manufacturing

Safety Compliance

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Injection Molding Machines

Cranes

Hot Runner Controllers

Job description

P03 - Sturgis, 1211 Progress St, Sturgis, Michigan, United States of America Req #1276

Monday, April 14, 2025

Summit Polymers is a leading Tier 1 Automotive Supplier of automotive interior systems. As a world-class automotive supplier of injection molded interior trim, we specialize in the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of feature-based registers, consoles, and trim panels.

JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU’LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don’t just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We’re always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service, and quality.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Mold Technician 1 FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt

REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Manufacturing (Molding)

SUMMARY

This is a hands-on technical position responsible for molding machine setups, start-ups, operation, and shut-downs. Must follow all standard work procedures including daily use of Summit Lean Manufacturing System tools. Completes process verifications, performs 1st piece/last piece inspections, and performs routine quality checks. Responsible for ensuring that machines, molds, and equipment are properly functioning and maintained. Identify problems and perform basic troubleshooting, according to knowledge and work experience. Duties will also include general housekeeping, visual production management and product flow, compliance to environmental and safety procedures, and assisting with Operator/Utility tasks.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

The fully trained and qualified Mold Tech is capable of completing the following tasks under general supervision:

• Safely performing injection mold changes and machine start-ups in the proper sequence and within time standards.
• Complying with all SPI requirements for Personal Protective Equipment such as, but not limited to, hard hats, heat gloves/sleeves, steel-toed shoes, eye protection, etc.
• Performing lockout/tagout per requirements and safely operating equipment such as cranes, side load systems, hot runner controllers, etc. per standard work procedures.
• Troubleshooting basic machine and equipment problems.
• Troubleshooting basic robot problems.
• Demonstrating basic knowledge of mold construction and function and is able to assist in the initial troubleshooting process.
• Performing basic Robot End-Of-Arm-Tooling maintenance and repair.
• Completing machine process adjustments, within prescribed limits, to ensure that product meets specifications.
• Identifying non-standard work and machine conditions that are potential safety concerns and taking appropriate action.
• Effectively communicating and advising on product and production concerns with peers on other shifts.
• Assisting the supervisor in managing shift activities and training of operators, utilities, and other mold techs.
• Utilizing Summit Lean Manufacturing Systems principles to monitor inventory, schedule, and run production.
• Assisting with giving Operator/Utility breaks.
• Assisting, as needed, in the grinding of runners and scrap parts.

Training

The Mold Tech position is a progressive position requiring diligent completion of training requirements over 3 levels and within prescribed time frames in order to achieve fully qualified status and remain in the position.

• Level 1 Side Load – Completed within 5 weeks of placement in position
  • Upon completion and under direct supervision, the Tech will:
    • Be able to safely perform a side load mold change and perform the basic quality tasks.
    • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Side Load.
• Level 1 Top Load – Completed within 2 weeks of completion of Level 1 Side Load (6 weeks after hire)
  • Upon completion and under direct supervision, the Tech will:
    • Be able to safely perform a top load mold change using a crane.
    • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 1 Top Load.
• Level 2 – Completed within 18 weeks of completion of the Level 1 Top Load (24 weeks after hire)
  • Upon completion and under general supervision, the Tech will:
    • Be able to safely and efficiently perform both side load and top load set-ups, meeting the time requirements and execution per the standard work procedure.
    • Be able to do a full start-up, completing all required checks and documentation.
    • Be able to do limited troubleshooting of the process and equipment and make adjustments if required.
    • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 2.
• Level 3 – Completed within 54 weeks of completion of Level 2 (18 months after hire)
  • Upon completion and under general supervision, the Tech will:
    • Be able to meet all the Mold Tech Level 3 requirements outlined above.
    • Have completed the training modules and tests as outlined in the Mold Tech Training Progression Checklist for Level 3.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Agreement to complete all required post-hire training modules within specified time frame.
• A minimum score in the 50th percentile on the DAT Mechanical Reasoning Test.
• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select (Traditional score of 16 on the Cognitive portion).
• Meet the physical requirements for the position.
• Physically capable of standing and walking for the entire shift.
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds repeatedly.
• Repeated bending and lifting during the shift.
• Must be able to wear steel-toed footwear.
• Adequate visual acuity to enter/revise molding press programming.
• Must be able to meet requirements for crane license.
• Must be capable of exerting up to 150 foot pounds on torque wrench.
• Must be able to work around a magnetic field.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does not require any travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.