Thermoforming Prototype Technician

Peninsula Plastics Company Inc • Pontiac, MI

12d • $25 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Peninsula Plastics is seeking an experienced, hands-on Thermoforming Prototype Technician to join its manufacturing team. The role focuses on setting up and operating thermoforming and vacuum-forming prototype equipment, adjusting process parameters, troubleshooting forming issues, and producing high-quality prototype parts that meet customer and engineering specifications. The technician will also assist with tooling development and occasional Pattern Shop projects.

The position is based primarily in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with work in Pontiac, Michigan, as needed. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with some weekend availability required based on production needs. Compensation is $25.00–$28.00 per hour. Hands-on thermoforming or vacuum-forming experience is required.

The role involves collaboration with engineering, production, quality, and tooling teams, along with maintaining accurate process documentation and a clean, organized, safe work environment. The work takes place in an industrial manufacturing setting that may involve machinery, noise, dust, and heat, and requires standing for 8–10 hour shifts and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

• Previous hands-on experience operating thermoforming or vacuum-forming equipment is required.
• Strong understanding of thermoforming processes, including heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure, timing, and tooling adjustments.
• Experience setting up, adjusting, and troubleshooting thermoforming equipment.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, prototyping, tooling, or similar production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose and resolve equipment and forming-process issues.
• Woodworking and fabrication skills, including experience building or modifying tooling, fixtures, patterns, or similar components.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools, including table saws, band saws, die grinders, and other shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, work instructions, quality standards, and CAD drawings.
• Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality prototype parts.
• Ability to accurately document machine settings, process adjustments, and prototype results.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with engineering, production, quality, and tooling teams.
• Willingness to cross-train and assist with Pattern Shop operations as needed.
• Ability to stand and work on feet for 8–10 hour shifts.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, carry, and perform other physical tasks associated with manufacturing operations.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing, woodworking, and prototype equipment.
• Ability to work in an industrial environment that may involve machinery, noise, dust, heat, and other typical manufacturing conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing or modifying prototype tooling and plug assists.
• Familiarity with dimensional inspection and prototype quality evaluation.
• Experience working with engineering teams during new product development.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and troubleshoot unique prototype challenges.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vacuum-forming and thermoforming prototype equipment to produce sample parts to customer and engineering specifications.
• Adjust heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure, timing, and plug-assist settings to achieve desired forming results.
• Produce, trim, finish, and evaluate prototype parts according to customer requirements and quality standards.
• Monitor equipment performance and make adjustments throughout the prototyping process.
• Prepare and install tooling, fixtures, and other components for prototype development.
• Identify and troubleshoot forming defects, equipment issues, tooling concerns, and material-related problems.
• Inspect prototype parts for dimensional accuracy, appearance, and overall quality.
• Adjust processes to resolve defects and improve prototype results.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure prototype parts meet customer expectations.
• Assist with developing, modifying, and preparing prototype tooling, plug assists, cooling fixtures, and related components.
• Use woodworking and fabrication skills to build, modify, and finish prototype tooling and fixtures.
• Safely operate hand and power tools, including table saws, band saws, die grinders, and other shop equipment.
• Provide occasional support for tooling and pattern-related projects in the Pattern Shop.
• Participate in cross-training opportunities to expand technical skills and support operations.
• Document machine settings, tooling configurations, process adjustments, troubleshooting steps, and prototype results accurately.
• Maintain organized records of heating, cooling, pressure, timing, and other forming parameters.
• Identify opportunities to improve prototype quality, equipment performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and follow established safety procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support prototype development and Pattern Shop operations.

Benefits

• Medical insurance available after 60 days of employment.
• Dental reimbursement plan available after 60 days of employment.
• Vision and life insurance available after 60 days of employment, along with additional benefit options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of 50% on employee contributions up to 6%.
• Paid holidays, vacation time, and sick days.
• Professional development, cross-training, career advancement opportunities, and continued growth within the company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed