Tooling Technician

Flex; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex in Libertyville, IL is seeking a Tooling Technician to support injection mold maintenance and production activities on a rotating shift. You will disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble molds, troubleshoot defects, maintain tooling records, and work with process engineers to optimize performance while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Experience with high-precision molds and CMMS is a plus. Join a team focused on delivering reliable tooling and continuous improvement in a

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on injection mold maintenance, repair, or precision tooling.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and tooling prints.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators).
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to support flexible shifts, overtime, and occasional weekend work.
• High school diploma or GED; technical certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on injection molds.
• Disassemble, inspect, clean, repair, and reassemble tooling per procedures.
• Troubleshoot mold defects and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain mold components and records of maintenance.
• Support mold installation, startup, qualification, and production.
• Collaborate with process engineers to identify root causes.
• Ensure safety, 5S, and GMP compliance.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Independent worker

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Reading drawings

Cross-functional teamwork

Flexible shifts

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Dial indicators

CMMS

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.

Job Summary

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 communica