Injection Molding Process Tech (Process Technician 3)
About The Position
Russtech is expanding its in-house injection molding operation, which produces aerospace components using multiple production molds and a Sodick GL100 hybrid injection molding machine. The Process Technician will help expand molding capabilities as the company adds a second molding machine and molds for new product lines. This is a highly hands-on role with primary ownership of the injection molding operation. The technician is responsible for ensuring both molding machines, molds, materials, and supporting equipment operate effectively. Production personnel may assist with machine tending and secondary operations, while the technician serves as the technical lead for molding operations. The role involves independent problem-solving, developing robust processes, and supporting the growth of manufacturing capabilities within a small aerospace company. The position works with engineering-grade and aerospace-grade thermoplastics, including glass-filled Ultem®, and supports machine startup, mold qualification, process development, production quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement. Compensation is based on experience, skills, qualifications, and demonstrated technical expertise. Eligible employees may receive competitive hourly pay, medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, paid vacation, Washington State paid sick leave, paid company holidays, and professional development and training opportunities.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least 5 years of hands-on injection molding process technician experience.
- Strong understanding of plastics processing principles and injection molding fundamentals.
- Experience setting up, optimizing, and troubleshooting injection molding processes.
- Experience processing engineering-grade thermoplastics.
- Experience performing mold changes and machine setups.
- Ability to safely operate overhead gantry cranes.
- Ability to safely operate forklifts.
- Experience using measuring and inspection equipment to verify molded part quality.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Basic computer proficiency and ability to maintain production records.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work independently with limited supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to regularly lift up to 55 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with scientific molding methods and process development.
- Experience processing high-temperature materials such as PEI (Ultem®), PEEK, PPS, LCP, or similar engineering thermoplastics.
- Experience with Sodick molding equipment or similar hybrid, electric, or hydraulic molding machines.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems.
- Experience with mold qualification, validation, and new product introduction activities.
- Understanding of mold design, tooling, cooling systems, and mold maintenance.
- Experience with automation or robotics integration.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
- Current forklift certification.
Responsibilities
- Set up molds and perform mold changes using an overhead gantry crane.
- Process, operate, optimize, and troubleshoot injection molding machines.
- Support startup and qualification of a second injection molding machine.
- Test, sample, and validate new molds before production release.
- Develop and optimize molding processes using scientific molding principles.
- Process high-performance engineering thermoplastics, including glass-filled Ultem® and similar aerospace-grade materials.
- Issue, stage, dry, and manage materials for production jobs.
- Monitor machine performance, process stability, part quality, cycle times, and scrap levels.
- Perform visual inspections and basic dimensional verification of molded parts.
- Troubleshoot molding defects and implement corrective actions.
- Perform minor machine maintenance and support routine maintenance activities.
- Maintain auxiliary equipment, including dryers, temperature control units, loaders, and other molding support equipment.
- Work with high-temperature/high-pressure water temperature control systems used for mold heating.
- Support basic mold maintenance and tooling upkeep.
- Operate forklifts to move molds, materials, and finished goods.
- Maintain process documentation and production records.
- Assist management with ordering molding materials, spare parts, tooling, and equipment supplies.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production personnel to support production goals and continuous improvement activities.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while supporting 5S initiatives.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay for eligible employees.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid parental leave.
- Paid vacation.
- Washington State paid sick leave.
- Paid company holidays.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
