Molding Process Technician

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Molding Process Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting injection molding machines and associated equipment to ensure optimal machine performance, part quality, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The position is located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and follows a rotating night-shift schedule of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The technician sets up molds, machines, and auxiliary equipment; adjusts process parameters; and starts up and shuts down machines according to standard operating procedures. The role includes diagnosing molding defects, performing routine maintenance and minor repairs, inspecting parts, maintaining process and traceability records, and supporting root-cause analysis and corrective actions. The technician also monitors mold performance, recommends improvements to reduce cycle time and scrap, participates in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives, and follows applicable safety, ISO 13485, FDA CFR/GMP, and other regulatory requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1–3 years of experience in injection molding or mold setup.
Experience with hydraulic and electric injection molding machines.
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
Familiarity with CNC machines and robotic automation.
Knowledge of plastic materials, mold design, and processing parameters.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Plastics Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field.
RJG Master Molder I or II certification.
Forklift certification.

Responsibilities

Set up molds, injection molding machines, and auxiliary equipment for production runs.
Adjust machine parameters to maintain part quality and meet specifications.
Start up and shut down molding machines according to standard operating procedures.
Diagnose and resolve molding issues, including flash, short shots, and warping.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on molds and machines.
Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams on complex repairs.
Inspect molded parts for defects and compliance with quality standards.
Maintain documentation for process control, lot traceability, and corrective actions.
Support root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality issues.
Monitor mold performance and suggest improvements to reduce cycle time and scrap.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing efforts.
Follow safety protocols and operate equipment safely.
Comply with ISO 13485, FDA CFR/GMP, and other regulatory requirements.