Setup Technician - 1st Shift

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.•Cuba City, WI

About The Position

The Setup Technician performs daily mold setups and process adjustments safely and promptly, working with the Lead Technician and Supervisor to maintain manufacturing best practices. The role supports production startup, troubleshooting, process improvements, quality, equipment maintenance, and efficient plant operations. It also includes accurate production documentation, communication across shifts, training, and contributing to a safe, organized, collaborative workplace.

Requirements

Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job, including regularly standing, walking, handling objects, and reaching; frequently stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and occasionally climbing, balancing, talking, hearing, tasting, or smelling.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Ability to operate a forklift as required.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and a 9-panel drug screen (no THC).

Responsibilities

Perform initial startup for new production runs after mold setups are complete.
Improve production efficiency and reduce scrap by reviewing processes and taking corrective action on equipment and tooling problems.
Troubleshoot factory process issues and consult tool designers and project engineers for solutions.
Recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, and product quality.
Document and record processes for production runs for each customer; maintain accurate setup records and complete required forms.
Conduct daily rounds and workstation checks; set molds and start jobs according to standard procedures and management instructions.
Set up and change over equipment used for secondary and degating operations, including tables, conveyors, water tanks, degaters, and fixtures.
Complete changeovers for molding machines used for production and sample jobs, and return molds, inserts, fixtures, switches, valves, and other items to their proper places.
Perform minor mold maintenance and repairs, including cavity, core, or base changeovers, and conduct preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs as needed.
Maintain knowledge of machines and their functions and ensure setup personnel have that knowledge.
Coordinate with Quality Control to help ensure product quality during the shift and at startup.
Follow procedures for proper storage of molds and equipment and handle machinery and auxiliary equipment carefully to prevent damage.
Stage molds and equipment for upcoming jobs and coordinate breaks to avoid leaving machinery idle; break times may be early or late.
Assist with machine and equipment adjustments and troubleshooting as directed by the shift supervisor to support safe, efficient operations.
Operate a forklift as required.
Report problems, needs, and equipment breakdowns to the supervisor and promptly question and report anything that seems wrong.
Perform lower-rated jobs when needed to support safe and efficient plant operations, and assist with secondary work as time permits.
Allow adequate time before and after each shift to pass information to the oncoming shift.
Work overtime as needed.
Follow company policies regarding conduct, safety, and job performance; perform duties safely and support the company’s safety culture.
Contribute to strategic planning for McDonald Plastic Molding’s growth and success, and help develop and implement its core values and mission statement.
Participate in group and individual training.
Identify individual strengths and delegate workload appropriately.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and approach duties with a positive, collaborative, and encouraging attitude.
Perform other duties as required or directed by management.