Injection Mold Die Setter / Mold Technician
Location: Alma, Michigan
Department: Manufacturing / Injection Molding
Reports To: Production Supervisor or Process Engineering Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Injection Mold Die Setter/Mold Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient setup, installation, changeover, troubleshooting, and maintenance of injection molding tools and associated equipment used in the production of automotive interior plastic components. This position supports manufacturing operations by ensuring molds are installed correctly, production equipment is operating efficiently, and quality standards are consistently achieved.
The Mold Technician works with injection molding machines ranging from small to large tonnage presses and collaborates with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform mold changes on injection molding machines of varying tonnage capacities.
- Safely remove, install, and secure injection molds using overhead cranes, hoists, and material handling equipment.
- Connect and verify all mold utilities including water, hydraulics, pneumatics, thermolators, hot runners, and robotics interfaces.
- Set molds, establish machine startup parameters, and assist with process verification during production startup.
- Troubleshoot molding process issues and support production personnel in resolving equipment and quality concerns.
- Perform machine startups and shutdowns according to established work instructions and production schedules.
- Ability to safely and efficiently change, load and verify machine programs on injection machines to support production requirements.
- Inspect molds and tooling for wear, damage, or maintenance requirements and report findings to appropriate personnel.
- Ensure proper mold clamping, alignment, and functionality before releasing equipment for production.
- Support preventative maintenance activities on molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment.
- Assist with setup and operation of automation systems, robots, conveyors, grinders, and auxiliary molding equipment.
- Monitor machine performance and make process adjustments when authorized.
- Complete setup documentation, production records, and maintenance logs accurately and timely.
- Follow all safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and environmental regulations.
- Maintain clean and organized work areas utilizing 5S and continuous improvement principles.
- Participate in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and productivity.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 2 years of injection molding setup, mold changing, or mold technician experience in a manufacturing environment preferred but not required.
- Experience working with injection molding presses and auxiliary equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret setup sheets and work instructions
- Knowledge of plastics processing and injection molding operations.
- Experience using overhead cranes and rigging equipment.
- Basic mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and off-shifts as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in automotive manufacturing.
- Experience with robotics and automation systems.
- Forklift certification.
- Crane and rigging certification.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift, push, pull, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
- Ability to bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work in confined spaces as necessary.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to work near moving machinery and in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.
Competencies
- Safety Awareness
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Troubleshooting/Problem Solving Skills
- Attention to Detail/ Time Management
- Communication Skills/Teamwork and Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Quality Focus
Work Environment
This position operates in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment producing interior plastic components through injection molding processes. Employees may work around high-temperature equipment, industrial robots, automated systems, and injection molding machines ranging from several hundred to several thousand tons of clamping force. Adherence to all safety, quality, and production standards is required.