Injection Apprenticeship Program

Niagara Bottling • Diamond Bar, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This 21-month Injection Apprenticeship Program (IAP) is designed to develop motivated, technically skilled individuals into future Senior Maintenance Technicians (SMT) for Niagara’s Injection Department. The program combines structured classroom learning, OEM training, and hands-on experience with complex injection molding systems. Participants will support maintenance activities, learn troubleshooting techniques, and develop the advanced skill sets required to maintain high-speed injection equipment at Niagara Bottling. Travel of approximately 40-50% is required to attend designated training events and support projects. Upon program completion, relocation will be required to gain a new role as a Senior Maintenance Technician for Niagara’s Injection Department.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in industrial maintenance, manufacturing, or related technical field OR Foundational knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and/or hydraulic systems.
• Ability to interpret basic schematics, manuals, and diagrams.
• Willingness to travel 40 – 50%.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and learning.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Vocational Technical School Certificate in a related field.
• Ability to understand and do math.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Attention to detail and organized.
• Ability to read blueprints & schematics.
• Able to stand, sit, squat or reach up to 12 hours per day as required by the specific job.
• Great attendance, be willing to work as a team, and take pride in their performance.
• Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with injection molding or plastics processing equipment.
• Exposure to troubleshooting manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with PM and predictive maintenance practices.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, robotics, or automation.
• Associate's Degree or Vocational Degree in related field Mechatronics, Computer Science or Electrical Degree.
• Completion of a formal technical/trade program.
• Preferred programs, not limited to: AAS in Plastics injection Molding, Plastics Technologies, Mold/Hot Runner Maintenance.
• Experience in the following areas of beverage production: Blow molding, inclusive of PET processing, machine set-up, mold changes, and quality inspection systems; Filling/capping, beverage processing methods, cap feeding systems with light closures, vision inspections systems and laser date coders, quality/sanitation standards, and conveying systems; Labeling technology, roll-fed and/or cut and stack, machine set-up, hot melt gluing systems, and conveying systems; Dry-end packaging, including case packers, case conveyors, conventional and robotic palletizers, and stretch wrappers; Machine set-up required for all pack size changes; Common OEM’s for production equipment: Krones, Sidel, KHS, Sacmi, Tech Long.
• Background in leading and mentoring professionals.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and GMPs.
• Shadow and learn from Operators, Preventative Maintenance Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, and Senior Maintenance Technicians.
• Attend OEM training sessions and apply gained knowledge.
• Demonstrate mastery of assigned learning objectives.
• Assist with maintenance projects, line rebuilds, and equipment overhauls.
• Support on-demand equipment repair during production as appropriate under supervision.
• Learn to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on injection and auxiliary machinery as skills develop.
• Research, document, and complete work orders using Niagara’s digital systems.
• Complete knowledge assessments to ensure performance standards are met.
• Learn, apply, and eventually lead and teach as a SMT the following areas of knowledge: Husky injection molding machines consisting of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical systems; Auxiliary systems including resin handling/blending, resin drying, dehumidification, vision inspection, conveying, and cooling systems; Mold systems, internal hot runner and cold half maintenance, identification of component wear and troubleshooting through detailed inspection of produced products; Plastic processing at high speeds while maintaining tight part tolerances and acceptable levels of acetaldehyde (AA).

Benefits

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves
• Medical, including virtual care options
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
• Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED