Process Technician I (Injection Molding, Plastics)

SCHAEFER PLASTICS NA•Charlotte, NC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Technician I supports the safe and efficient operation of injection molding equipment. This developmental-level role performs standard mold and job changes, machine startups, basic process adjustments, and routine troubleshooting while building proficiency across Schaefer’s machines, molds, robots, and auxiliary systems.

Requirements

One or more years of hands-on manufacturing, mold-setting, machine setup, or related technical experience preferred.
Injection molding experience or formal plastics/process training is strongly preferred.
Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools and measuring devices safely.
Ability to follow setup sheets, work instructions, safety rules, and escalation procedures.
Basic computer skills and the ability to complete electronic and written production records.
Willingness and ability to complete Schaefer’s technical training and demonstrate required Level I competencies.
Mechanical and process troubleshooting
Safety and quality discipline
Clear shift-to-shift communication
Teamwork and knowledge sharing
Organization, documentation, and follow-through
Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Nice To Haves

Successful Level I technicians safely complete routine changes and startups, recognize abnormal conditions, make basic approved adjustments, document their work accurately, and ask for support before quality or equipment risks increase.

Responsibilities

Complete standard mold changes and startups with guidance, following approved setup sheets and procedures.
Recognize common process and quality problems and make approved adjustments within established parameters.
Load, reference, and make basic setpoint adjustments to existing robot programs.
Identify when a problem requires assistance from a higher-level Process Technician, Maintenance, Quality, or supervision.
Develop working knowledge of resin and regrind requirements, mold versions, hot-stamp setups, and machine-specific safety controls.
Monitor injection molding machines and respond promptly to process-related issues to reduce downtime and scrap.
Start up and adjust machines to support safe, efficient production and consistent product quality.
Perform mold changes, insert changes, version changes, and date-code verification according to established procedures.
Set up and operate auxiliary equipment used in the injection molding process.
Set up, reference, and operate robotic material-handling equipment appropriate to the assigned level.
Complete first-piece verification and required production, mold-change, and shift documentation accurately.
Inspect in-process and finished product; identify defects and take or escalate corrective action.
Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs involving machines, molds, heaters, thermocouples, and auxiliary equipment.
Follow lockout/tagout, crane and sling inspection, machine-guarding, PPE, and all other safety requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and communicate production or quality concerns during shift handoffs.
Perform other duties and provide overtime or shift coverage as assigned based on business needs.