Mold Change Setter - First Shift
About The Position
ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, is seeking a Mold Change Setter for the First Shift. As a family-owned company serving major brands, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and growth opportunities. We invest in our people, promote from within, and foster a culture of safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. This role involves assisting with mold changes, setting up machines, troubleshooting issues, performing maintenance, and ensuring product quality and efficiency. You will work closely with various teams to meet performance objectives and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- 2+ years of experience operating molding machines.
- Understanding of plastics materials (HDPE, PP, PET, etc.).
- Ability to read process sheets and technical drawings.
- Experience with tooling setup, parison control, and troubleshooting minor defects.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
- Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
- Act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA).
Nice To Haves
- Technical certification in plastics processing or manufacturing.
- Experience with automation systems and robotics.
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist in mold changes on molding machines, including removal and installation of molds, heads, and related tooling.
- Set up machines for production runs, including parison programming, temperature settings, and process parameters.
- Conduct startup and verify product quality to meet specifications.
- Troubleshoot molding, machine, and tooling abnormalities to minimize downtime and scrap while ensuring product quality.
- Adjust machine settings to optimize cycle time, quality, and efficiency.
- Perform preventive maintenance on molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment.
- Inspect molds and tooling for wear, damage, or defects; report and coordinate repairs.
- Ensure proper alignment, clamping, cooling, and operation of molds.
- Document setup parameters, process changes, and production data.
- Follow setup sheets, process documentation, and production schedules.
- Maintain 5S standards in work area.
- Support downtime reduction through efficient preparation and execution.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Strict adherence to ALPLA Safety Standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE usage, and safe mold handling practices.
- Report near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions.
- Work closely with Mold Setter II, Technicians, Maintenance, and Production teams to meet performance objectives.
- Communicate effectively on job status, issues, and handoffs.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support operator training on machine operation and quality checks as needed.
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Childcare and dependent care savings programs
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
- Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
- Employee recognition programs
- Hands-on training and professional development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
