Tooling Technician

Flex; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex in Libertyville, IL is seeking a Tooling Technician to maintain and repair high‑precision, multi‑cavity injection molds. You will perform preventive maintenance, disassemble and reassemble components, and troubleshoot mold defects to keep production running smoothly.

The job requires reading engineering drawings, using precision gauges, and recording activity in the CMMS. Flex expects collaboration with engineering and quality teams, flexibility for overtime, and safe, compliant tooling

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical certification or vocational training in Tool & Die, Mold Making, Machining preferred.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in injection mold maintenance, repair, or precision tooling.
• Experience disassembling, troubleshooting, and reassembling injection molds.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tooling prints, and mechanical specifications.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and gauges.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to support flexible shifts, overtime, and occasional weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on high‑precision, multi‑cavity injection molds.
• Disassemble, inspect, clean, repair, and reassemble injection molds following established procedures.
• Troubleshoot mold‑related defects, including flash, short shots, dimensional variation, gate defects, sticking components, and cosmetic defects.
• Inspect and maintain mold components such as cores, cavities, ejector systems, slides, lifters, hot runners, valve gates, and cooling circuits.
• Identify wear, damage, and potential failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate mold maintenance records, repair history, and spare‑part usage.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading engineering drawings

Reading gauges

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS

Netstal

Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Title: Tooling Technician

Location: Libertyville, IL

Shift Schedule: 630am-630pm (Rotating Shift)

Key Responsibilities

Injection Mold Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on high-precision, multi-cavity injection molds.
• Disassemble, inspect, clean, repair, and reassemble injection molds following established procedures.
• Troubleshoot mold-related defects, including flash, short shots, dimensional variation, gate defects, sticking components, and cosmetic defects.
• Inspect and maintain mold components such as cores, cavities, ejector systems, slides, lifters, hot runners, valve gates, and cooling circuits.
• Identify wear, damage, and potential failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform precision fitting, polishing, and minor modifications to mold components.
• Maintain accurate mold maintenance records, repair history, and spare‑part usage.

Troubleshooting & Production Support

• Provide hands‑on technical support during mold installation, startup, qualification, and production.
• Troubleshoot mechanical mold issues and collaborate with process engineers to identify root causes.
• Support mold trials, process optimization, and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist with mold changes, setup verification, and safe handling of tooling.
• Respond to mold‑related equipment downtime and implement effective corrective actions.
• Work with external mold suppliers on technical issues, repairs, and replacement components.

Commissioning & Validation Support

• Support new mold installation, commissioning, and qualification activities, including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Assist with mold inspections, dimensional evaluations, and troubleshooting during validation runs.
• Document tooling changes and maintenance activities in accordance with approved procedures.
• Support engineering investigations, deviation resolution, and corrective actions.
• Ensure mold repairs or modifications are appropriately assessed for potential impact on validated processes.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Follow established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), safe lifting, and mold‑handling practices.
• Maintain tooling in accordance with applicable medical device quality system requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ensure accurate documentation and traceability of tooling maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized tooling work area following 5S principles.
• Support internal audits, quality investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical certification or vocational training in Tool & Die, Mold Making, Machining, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in injection mold maintenance, repair, or precision tooling.
• Experience disassembling, troubleshooting, and reassembling injection molds.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tooling prints, and mechanical specifications.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and gauges.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross‑functional engineering and production teams.
• Good communication skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to support flexible shifts, overtime, and occasional weekend work based on production needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high‑cavitation, high‑precision injection molds used in medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Familiarity with hot runner systems, valve gates, servo‑actuated mold components, and complex mold mechanisms.
• Experience with Netstal or similar high‑performance injection molding equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting gate flash, valve pin issues, core alignment, cooling performance, and mold‑related dimensional defects.
• Knowledge of precision grinding, polishing, machining, and mold fitting techniques.
• Familiarity with mold preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Experience supporting mold commissioning, qualification, or validation activities in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, GMP, and engineering change control processes.

Key Competencies

• Strong hands‑on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Proactive approach to identifying and preventing tooling failures.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and follow‑through.
• Effective communication with engineering, maintenance, operations, and quality personnel.
• Willingness to learn new tooling technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Commitment to safety, product quality, and operational excellence.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work around industrial manufacturing equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and handle tooling components within established safety limits, using lifting equipment as required.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing and tool maintenance environment.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work safely around heavy molds, lifting equipment, heated components, and mechanical systems.

What Success Looks Like

• Injection molds are maintained and available to support manufacturing schedules.
• Mold‑related defects and downtime are identified and resolved effectively.
• Preventive maintenance is completed on schedule with accurate documentation.
• Tooling issues are resolved through systematic root‑cause analysis rather than repeated temporary fixes.
• Mold maintenance and repairs support validated process requirements.
• Strong collaboration with engineering, production, maintenance, and quality teams.

AW20

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [e-mail] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).