Weekend Days Technician - Injection Molding

IML Containers/Labels North America Inc.; Le Mars (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biweekly pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Growth opportunities

On-the-job training

Friendly team environment

Job summary

IML Containers/Labels North America Inc. seeks a hands-on technician to maintain and support our in-mold labeling (IML) plastics operations.

You will assist with machine setup, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance for injection molding machines, label robots, and related automation systems. Key duties include loading labels, ensuring proper application inside molds, and monitoring machine performance to minimize downtime while maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• Basic mechanical knowledge of gears, motors, belts, and sensors.
• Proficient with hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys).
• Experience with injection molding, automation, or IML labeling is a plus.
• Able to read machine instructions and troubleshoot logically.
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long shifts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with mold setup and removal from injection molding machines.
• Set up IML magazines and adjust label robots.
• Load labels and ensure proper application inside molds.
• Monitor machines for label placement and product quality.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, or robotic issues.
• Document maintenance tasks and follow safety procedures.

Skills

Basic mechanical concepts

Hand tools

Injection molding

Automation

IML labeling

Read machine instructions

Downtime response

Lift up to 50 lbs

Tools

Forklift operation

Pallet jack

Job description

We are looking for a hands-on technician to help maintain and support our in-mold labeling (IML) plastic injection molding operations. The technician will assist with machine setup, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance for our injection molding machines, label robots, and associated automation systems.

This is a key role to help reduce downtime and ensure our equipment is running safely and efficiently.

Shifts:

• 8:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Sat-Sun
• 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sat-Sun
• Plus 1 additional day of the week

Key Responsibilities:

Injection Molding & IML Setup:

• Help install and remove molds from injection molding machines
• Set up in-mold label magazines and adjust robot label pickers
• Load labels into IML stations and make sure labels are applied properly inside the molds

Machine Operation Support:

• Monitor machines to ensure proper label placement and product quality
• Assist operators and team leads with machine or label alignment issues
• Adjust label sensors, vacuum levels, or robot arms when labels are misapplied

Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, pneumatic, or robotic issues (e.g., vacuum loss, stuck labels, faulty sensors)
• Report any recurring machine issues to maintenance manager
• Replace worn-out components (hoses, fittings, sensors, cylinders)

Preventative Maintenance:

• Clean sensors, filters, and moving parts on IML and molding machines
• Grease and lubricate mold slides and robotic arms regularly
• Inspect and tighten loose wires, air lines, and fittings

Documentation & Communication:

• Record maintenance tasks in logbooks or computer system
• Communicate clearly with maintenance team, leads, and supervisors on issues or needed repairs
• Follow all safety and lockout/tagout procedures

What We’re Looking For:

• Basic mechanical knowledge (gears, motors, belts, sensors, air lines)
• Comfortable using hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys, etc.)
• Some experience with injection molding, automation, or IML labeling is a big plus
• Ability to read machine instructions and troubleshoot issues logically
• Willing to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and respond to machine downtime quickly
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet throughout the shift

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have):

• Ability to read simple electrical or pneumatic diagrams
• Experience using forklift or pallet jack (if needed for mold handling)

Benefits Include:

• Biweekly pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Growth opportunities and on-the-job training
• Friendly and supportive team environment