The Injection Molding Tooling Repair Technician is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of plastic injection molds and associated tooling. This position ensures molds are maintained in safe, reliable, and production-ready condition to minimize downtime, improve part quality, and support efficient manufacturing operations.
The technician works closely with Process Technicians, Maintenance, Quality, Production, and Engineering to identify tooling-related problems and implement appropriate repairs and improvements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Mold Repair & MaintenancePerform preventive maintenance on injection molds according to established PM schedules.
- Disassemble, inspect, clean, repair, and reassemble injection molds.
- Troubleshoot mold-related issues affecting production and part quality.
- Repair or replace damaged and worn mold components.
- Inspect and maintain mold cavities, cores, inserts, slides, lifters, ejector systems, and leader pins/bushings.
- Inspect and repair hot runner systems, heaters, thermocouples, and related components.
- Inspect water lines, fittings, O-rings, seals, and cooling circuits for leaks or restrictions.
- Perform mold spotting, fitting, polishing, and bench work as required.
- Verify proper movement and operation of mold components before releasing molds back to production.
- Assist with emergency mold repairs to minimize machine downtime.
- Identify recurring tooling problems and recommend long-term corrective actions.
- Spot in and weld.
- Technical ResponsibilitiesRead and interpret mold drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Use precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges.
- Safely operate appropriate toolroom equipment, including grinders, drill presses, polishing equipment, and other machinery within the technician's training and authorization.
- Evaluate mold wear and damage to determine appropriate repair requirements.
- Assist with mold modifications and engineering changes.
- Support new mold trials and tooling validation when required.
- Assist Process Technicians with troubleshooting defects that may be tooling related.
- Preventive Maintenance & DocumentationComplete mold PM checklists accurately and on time.
- Document repairs, replacement components, mold conditions, and corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate tooling maintenance history.
- Communicate unresolved mold conditions and recommended repairs to supervision.
- Identify spare tooling components needed to prevent extended downtime.
- Maintain an organized inventory of commonly used mold repair components when assigned.
- Safety & HousekeepingFollow all company safety procedures and established safe-work practices.
- Follow appropriate lockout/tagout requirements when applicable.
- Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Follow established procedures for mold lifting, handling, and transportation.
- Maintain tools and work areas in a clean and organized condition.
- Immediately report unsafe equipment, tooling conditions, and potential hazards.
Qualifications
- RequiredHigh school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience with injection mold maintenance, repair, toolmaking, or a related technical field.
- Mechanical troubleshooting ability.
- Ability to safely use hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Ability to read technical drawings and understand dimensional requirements.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a technical team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
- Ability to respond to production tooling issues in a timely manner.
- Preferred3+ years of injection molding tooling repair or mold maintenance experience.
- Experience with multi-cavity injection molds.
- Experience with hot runner systems.
- Experience troubleshooting hydraulic and mechanical mold components.
- Experience with mold polishing and spotting.
- Basic machining experience.
- Experience with preventive maintenance or CMMS systems.
Key Skills
- Maintain molds in a safe and production-ready condition.
- Complete scheduled mold PMs on time.
- Provide accurate documentation of mold repairs and conditions.
- Correctly identify tooling-related quality problems.
- Respond quickly to production tooling issues.
- Reduce repeat tooling failures through effective root-cause repairs.
- Maintain high standards for workmanship, safety, and housekeeping.
- Communicate clearly with Process, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Production personnel.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to safely lift and handle components within established company lifting limits.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and work around manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to work with oils, greases, cleaners, and other materials commonly used in tooling maintenance while following appropriate safety procedures.
- Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment.
Overall Job Objective
Maintain injection molding tooling in safe, reliable, and production-ready condition through effective preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement, while minimizing downtime and supporting consistent part quality.