Molding Process Technician - Apprentice

Flex-N-Gate•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Molding Process Technician Apprentice participates in on-the-job training and technical instruction to develop the skills needed to become a qualified Molding Process Technician. Under the guidance of experienced process technicians and other molding personnel, the apprentice learns to set up, monitor, and adjust injection molding equipment to produce parts that meet customer requirements. The apprentice develops knowledge of injection molding processes, mold changes, auxiliary equipment, robotics, process troubleshooting, and quality standards. The role requires a commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement while following company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. Apprentices also participate in coursework, practical training, and skills assessments, including related classes at a local college chosen by Ventra. Work takes place in a manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial machinery, production equipment, noise, heat, and other manufacturing-related hazards. The position may require various shifts and overtime based on manufacturing needs, physical activities such as standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting, and use of required personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, injection molding, or industrial process technology.
Good mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical processes and equipment operation.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
Basic math skills and ability to learn to interpret process sheets, production records, and technical documentation.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products.
Dependability, accountability, flexibility, and ability to work independently on assigned tasks or as part of a team.
Willingness to learn troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, mold setup, and injection molding processes.
Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and adapt to changing production needs.
Basic computer skills and ability to complete required production and quality documentation.
Commitment to following company safety procedures, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
Willingness to attend related classes at a local college of Ventra’s choosing.
Ability to work various shifts and overtime as required by manufacturing needs.
Ability to perform manufacturing-related physical activities, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, if this accurately reflects the essential job functions.
High school diploma or GED is preferred but not required.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Assist experienced process technicians with setup, adjustment, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding machines.
Learn to establish and maintain molding conditions according to approved process sheets and customer quality requirements.
Assist with supervised mold installation and removal after completing required training.
Learn to identify mold components and understand basic mold functions, including core logic, ejector systems, and related tooling components.
Develop knowledge of auxiliary molding equipment, including dryers, hoppers, color mixers, loaders, Thermarators, circulators, grinders, hot runner controllers, robots, and sprue pickers.
Assist with setup and operation of auxiliary equipment, automation, assembly equipment, and robotic systems as trained and authorized.
Learn to connect and verify water, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical connections associated with molds and auxiliary equipment.
Monitor production processes and inspect in-process parts for conformity with established quality standards.
Learn to recognize and troubleshoot common molding defects, including flash and short shots.
Assist with process troubleshooting and learn to identify potential root causes of equipment, tooling, and quality problems.
Follow production schedules, prioritize assigned work, and support timely production startups and mold changes.
Assist with material and color changes as required.
Provide mechanical and production support to molding operators and assist Resin Handlers with material-related activities as needed.
Learn to complete production startup procedures, first-piece submissions, and required quality approvals before production continues.
Learn to access and verify job information, bills of material, quality alerts, deviations, and production records.
Accurately and promptly document process changes, shift activities, inspections, and other required information, including entries in IQMS or other company systems.
Assist with routine machine and tooling preventative maintenance, total productive maintenance (TPM) activities, and simple tool maintenance as trained.
Communicate equipment breakdowns and maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel and report tooling issues to the supervisor or process engineering team.
Follow lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, environmental requirements, and established work instructions.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area according to company housekeeping and 5S standards.
Recognize and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, and potential quality concerns.
Participate in required apprenticeship coursework, practical training, and skills assessments.
Identify opportunities to improve process capability, product quality, production yields, productivity, and equipment reliability as knowledge and experience develop.
Perform other duties as assigned.