Plastics Set Up Tech

Bergstrom•Rockford, IL

About The Position

The Set Up Technician Apprentice is responsible for performing mechanical setups of injection molding machines and basic preventive maintenance of molds. The role includes preparing, installing, connecting, and removing molds and related equipment, confirming production readiness, and cleaning mold and machine surfaces. The core hours are Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The position is primarily in an office-like environment, with occasional exposure to manufacturing areas. In manufacturing areas, personal protective equipment may be required, including safety glasses with side shields, specified footwear, and hearing protection. The role may require sitting or standing as needed, periodic walking, reaching above shoulder height or below the waist, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. Proper lifting techniques are required. Bergstrom Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The budgeted pay range is $20–$26 per hour. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including discretionary incentives, insurance coverage, retirement matching, reimbursement programs, paid time off, and holidays.

Requirements

Ability or aptitude to perform the job duties proficiently.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including periodic walking, reaching, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds; proper lifting techniques are required.
Use required personal protective equipment when in manufacturing areas, including safety glasses with side shields, specified footwear, and mandatory hearing protection.

Nice To Haves

Ability to set up robot end-of-arm tooling (EOA) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Read the production schedule daily to plan the workday.
Locate and prepare the mold scheduled for production.
Move molds to the assigned press using an overhead crane.
Clamp molds to injection-machine platens using assigned tools.
Operate plastics-related tools, including overhead cranes, pneumatic guns, mechanical clamps, and appropriate eye bolts, bolts, nuts, and washers.
Clean mold parting surfaces and update date wheels to the current date.
Install and tighten knock-out bars between the press ejection plate and the mold ejection plate.
Connect cooling circuits according to the mold configuration or available cooling diagrams.
Connect electrical connectors, which may include safety switches, position sensors, or hot-runner connectors.
Start thermo-regulators used to control mold temperature and temperature controllers used to heat the hot runner.
Confirm that resin is ready to begin processing with the set process parameters.
Set up the robot end-of-arm tooling (EOA), when applicable.
After production, turn off temperature controllers, purge mold cooling lines using thermo-regulators, turn off thermo-regulators, and disconnect electrical connectors and cooling lines.
Clean mold parting surfaces before closing the mold.
Unclamp molds from injection-machine platens using assigned tools.
Remove knock-out bars, take molds off the press, and move them to assigned storage locations.
Clean mold back plates and injection-machine platens using a polishing stone and mold cleaner.
Perform other job-related duties and follow other job-related instructions as requested.