Unit 43 - Mold Setter

Colonial Group; Shelbyville (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Shelbyville, KY seeks a Manufacturing Floater to support production across process, mold setting and material handling. The role is cross‑functional to reduce downtime and maintain steady throughput by moving between units 41, 42, and 43 as assigned by supervision.

Responsibilities include starting and monitoring presses, performing mold changes, operating auxiliary equipment, and conducting visual quality checks while upholding safety and 5S standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with crane operation preferred.
• Minimum 1 year mold setting experience.
• Knowledge of mold changes and machine start-up.
• Ability to read and understand instructions in English.
• Able to lift up to 55 lbs repeatedly.
• Need to work well in a team and maintain safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate presses per Master Set Up standards and respond to alarms.
• Perform mold changes and document with Mold Change Checklists.
• Set up and operate auxiliary equipment and train operators as needed.
• Support and participate in 1st Piece inspections and quality checks.
• Maintain material handling, logs and traceability; follow safety and 5S standards.
• Support compliance with IATF16949 and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Crane operation

Mold setting

Injection molding

Quality inspection

Safety training

Teamwork

Basic math

Operational experience with MES

Education

Highschool diploma or GED

Tools

MES systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Floater supports production by performing duties across process, mold setting and material handling. This includes preparing materials, setting molds, operating equipment, troubleshooting process issues, and ensuring part quality. The Floater is a cross-functional role designed to reduce downtime and maintain consistent production flow through flexibility and broad technical capability. The team member must be able to float between units 41, 42, and 43 as assigned by supervision.

Essential Functions

• Safety
  
  
  
  • Adheres to all safety guidelines and expectations (wear required PPE, follow safety protocols, and report any safety incidents, accidents, and near‑misses in a timely manner)
  
  
  • Familiar with and can locate Safety Data Sheet
  
  
  • Understands OSHA’s “Right to Know” Policy
  
  
  
  


• 5S
  
  
  
  • Maintain cleanliness and order in all assigned work areas.
  
  
  • Follow 5S standards and ensure proper clean points during startups and changes.
  
  
  
  


• Product Quality
  
  
  
  • Understand and follow the NIFCO Quality Policy and part‑specific “Part Quality Standards.”
  
  
  • Perform visual inspections for part defects such as flash, color issues, shorts, and contamination.
  
  
  • Identify and handle non‑conforming products appropriately and notify supervisors or technicians as needed.
  
  
  • Support Quality with 1st Piece inspections and approvals.
  
  
  
  


• Injection Molding Operations
  
  
  
  • Start and monitor presses to ensure they run to Master Set Up standards.
  
  
  • Respond to equipment alarms and perform basic troubleshooting using MES systems.
  
  
  • Set up and operate auxiliary equipment (e.g., part pickers, dryers, blenders).
  
  
  • Assist and train machine operators when required.
  
  
  • Support continuous improvement and process stability efforts.
  
  
  
  


• Mold Setting & Equipment Setup
  
  
  
  • Perform mold changes and complete associated documentation (e.g., Mold Change Checklists).
  
  
  • Execute Level 1 Preventive Maintenance on molds and machines.
  
  
  • Conduct machine startups and generate first‑off samples for quality checks.
  
  
  • Operate cranes and assist with mold transfers, hookups, and verification.
  
  
  • Understand and safely perform mold setting techniques with basic tooling and equipment.
  
  
  
  


• Material Handling & Preparation
  
  
  
  • Prepare and deliver materials (including mixing concentrate and drying) to presses as needed.
  
  
  • Maintain material traceability with accurate Material Logs and Material Tags.
  
  
  • Clean and maintain hoppers, dryers, grinders, and other handling equipment.
  
  
  • Understand and operate Maguire Blenders and basic mixing equipment.
  
  
  • Collect, record, and report scrap daily.
  
  
  
  


• Additional Duties
  
  
  
  • Support compliance with IATF16949 standards across all functions.
  
  
  • Assist with production readiness, press start‑up, and shutdown processes.
  
  
  • Perform any other tasks assigned by the Molding Supervisor or Production Manager.
  
  
  
  

Education

• Highschool diploma or GED equivalent

Skills/Experience/Requirements

• Must complete all safety and environmental trainings required
  (e.g.: Lock-out-Tag-out, HAZCOM, Blood Borne Pathogens, Sexual Harassment)


• Must be certified to operate cranes


• Preferred with minimum 1 year experience in mold setting


• Knowledge and skill to conduct mold change and machine start-up


• Basic skills to set‑up part picker


• Able to perform Level 1 Mold Preventative Maintenance


• Technical knowledge of injection molding processes with machines, tooling, materials, molding techniques


• Must be able to read and understand verbal instructions in English


• Must be able to do simple math calculations


• Must be able to lift up to 55lbs. multiple times during shift


• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment


• Must be able to communicate with supervision, management, and co‑workers


• Behave in a positive manner than enhances the success of department and company


• Excellent prioritizing skills


• Must pass pre‑employment screening