Molding Technician – Injection Molding | PSC81326

Compensation: $20–$26/hour + Relocation assitance for qualifed candidates 
Industry: Plastics / Injection Molding
Location: Virginia
Schedule: Full-Time / First Shift

Position Summary

We are partnering with an established plastics manufacturer to identify a hands-on Molding Technician to support its injection molding operations.

This is a production-focused technical position for an individual who can work directly with injection molding machines, molds, tooling, and related production equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience tearing down, setting up, changing molds, and operating injection molding machinery, preferably with equipment up to approximately 160 tons.

The company is open to training the right candidate on its specific injection molding machines and processes. Prior experience with a particular machine manufacturer is not required. Candidates with strong practical molding experience, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to learn new equipment are encouraged to apply. This position does not require prior supervisory or leadership experience but all qualifed candidates will require a valid passport. 

Requirements

• Perform mold removal, teardown, cleaning, inspection, preparation of injection molding equipment. 

• Set up injection molding machines and prepare equipment for production.

• A valid passport is required for this position.

• Perform production mold changes and equipment changeovers.

• Operate injection molding machines while monitoring machine operation, cycle times, and part quality.

• Support molding operations on machines up to approximately 160 tons.

• Verify molds, tooling, machine settings, and auxiliary equipment are properly prepared before production.

• Monitor molding processes and identify issues affecting production or part quality.

• Perform basic process adjustments within established procedures and parameters.

• Troubleshoot basic molding, tooling, and equipment issues and escalate complex problems when necessary.

• Work closely with Production and Maintenance to minimize downtime and maintain equipment readiness.

• Support production startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and routine molding activities.

• Maintain molds, tooling, machines, and work areas in clean and production-ready condition.

• Follow SOPs, work instructions, quality requirements, and established safety procedures.

• Complete required production records, process documentation, and MES entries.

• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Learn and apply company-specific molding equipment, processes, and production procedures.

• Safely handle molds, tooling, production equipment, and related materials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• 2+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience, preferably in plastics or injection molding.

• Hands-on experience setting up, operating, changing over, or supporting injection molding equipment.

• Ability to tear down and set up injection molding machines and molds.

• Practical understanding of injection molding processes and production environments.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial machinery and tooling.

• Basic understanding of molding process parameters, cycle times, and production quality.

• Basic troubleshooting and problem-identification skills.

• Ability to read and follow SOPs, work instructions, production documentation, and safety procedures.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a production team.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

• Ability and willingness to learn the company's specific injection molding equipment and processes.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Valid passport required.

Preferred Experience

• Molding Technician or Injection Molding Technician experience.

• Injection Molding Setup Technician experience.

• Process Technician experience within a plastics manufacturing environment.

• Molding Operator experience that includes machine setup and mold changes.

• Mold Change Technician or Mold Technician experience.

• Experience operating or setting up injection molding machines up to approximately 160 tons.

• Experience with Arburg, Engel, or similar injection molding equipment.

• Thermoplastic processing experience.

• Experience with mold installation, removal, teardown, cleaning, inspection, and preparation.

• Experience with production startups and changeovers.

• Basic molding process troubleshooting and adjustment experience.

• Familiarity with runners, gates, cavities, inserts, and common injection mold components. 

• Technical training or coursework in plastics, manufacturing, mechanical systems, or a related field.

Confidential Application

If your background aligns with the Molding Technician opportunity and you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to apply for confidential consideration. Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss the opportunity in greater detail. No information will be shared with our client without your knowledge and approval.

Maria Abelardo, Recruiting Director
Plastic Staffing | A Division of National Search Group, Inc.
Direct: (754) 241-9507
Email: [email protected]

Plastic Staffing is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.