Mold Technician

Westfall Technik•Antioch, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Westfall Technik is a rapidly growing Plastic Injection Manufacturing Company in the USA, with plans for global expansion. We are committed to keeping jobs in the US and currently support over 1,100 employees across 11 facilities. At our Antioch, IL facility, we invest in our people, recognizing that their skills and talents are essential to our growth. We are seeking a 3rd Shift Mold Technician/Set Up who will be a critical player in our dynamic manufacturing environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a Molding Technician, Set-Up Technician, or in a similar role within an injection molding or manufacturing environment.
Hands-on experience with various molding machines (e.g., injection molding, compression molding, blow molding) and the ability to set up, calibrate, and operate them.
Strong understanding of mold setup, tooling changes, and troubleshooting of molding processes.
Proficient in molding machine operations and setup procedures.
Knowledge of dimensional inspection tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMMs), and how to conduct visual inspections of molded parts.
Familiarity with mold maintenance, including basic troubleshooting and repair techniques.
Understanding of process control and the ability to adjust molding parameters to improve quality and reduce defects.
Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles and their application in molding and inspection.
Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve molding defects and equipment issues.
Ability to analyze production data and recommend process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
Ability to communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to ensure smooth workflow and high-quality production.
Team-oriented, with the ability to collaborate with others in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and the ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, and operating machinery.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or technical certification in Plastics Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field is preferred.
Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other relevant industry standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

Set up molding machines (injection molding, compression molding, or other applicable equipment) according to production specifications, mold design, and quality standards.
Perform machine calibration and adjustments for optimal molding process parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, cycle time).
Install, align, and secure molds onto the molding machine, ensuring all components are correctly configured before production.
Monitor machine performance during the production run to ensure consistent part quality and prevent defects.
Transport raw materials, in-process components, and finished products between production and warehouse areas using pallet jacks, forklifts, or other approved equipment.
Ensure timely replenishment of raw materials, colorants, films, and additives to production lines to avoid downtime.
Load and unload materials from storage racks, trucks, and staging areas according to schedule.
Accurately label, package, and palletize finished goods for storage or shipment.
Dispose of waste and regrind material in accordance with company procedures and environmental regulations.
Inspect molded parts during and after production to verify that they meet quality specifications (dimensional accuracy, visual appearance, etc.).
Conduct regular checks for product conformity using inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machine), and other relevant measuring instruments.
Work closely with the Quality Control team to identify defects, troubleshoot quality issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
Maintain detailed records of inspection results and production parameters for traceability and quality assurance.
Perform routine maintenance on molding machines and molds to ensure they are in good working condition and meet production requirements.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to molding defects (e.g., flash, short shots, sink marks, etc.) by adjusting machine settings or modifying mold designs.
Collaborate with the maintenance team to schedule and execute mold repairs and maintenance activities.
Continuously monitor and adjust molding parameters to optimize cycle times, reduce waste, and increase production efficiency.
Identify opportunities to improve mold setup procedures and machine operation for better throughput and reduced downtime.
Work with the Engineering and Production teams to implement process improvements, new techniques, and technologies to enhance production capabilities.
Maintain accurate records of machine settings, production parameters, and maintenance activities.
Prepare detailed reports for the Quality Control team and management, highlighting production issues, mold maintenance activities, and corrective actions taken.
Document all setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with company standards.
Work in close collaboration with Quality Control, Production, and Engineering teams to ensure that molding processes meet customer requirements and quality standards.
Assist in the training of new molding technicians and operators, ensuring they understand proper machine setup, troubleshooting, and quality inspection procedures.
Communicate with the team regarding production schedules, mold changes, and any potential production delays.
Follow all safety protocols and best practices to ensure a safe working environment in the molding area.
Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and company safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
Ensure molding operations comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and internal quality control procedures.

Benefits

Salary: $ 27.00- $30.00 DOE + $1.00 Shift Differential (Based on education and experience)
11 Paid Holidays
Sick Pay
Vacation Pay
401K, Plus Employer Match
Medical
Dental
Vision
Company Sponsored Life and AD&D
Short and Long Term Disability
Paid Parental Leave