Job Description

Job Summary

The Maintenance Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plastic injection molding machines, automated equipment, and related manufacturing systems used in the plant. This is a hands-on production support and troubleshooting role responsible for diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and improving molding presses, hot runner systems, thermolators, thermocouples, bowl feeders, 6-axis robots, vision systems, cameras, PLC-controlled automation, and related equipment.

Working closely with production, operations, and outside vendors, the Maintenance Technician responds to downtime, performs electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, supports mold changes and startup activity, coordinates repairs, and helps develop and execute the preventive maintenance program.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility. However, the Maintenance Technician may provide day-to-day technical guidance and practical support to others regarding troubleshooting, minor repairs, equipment recovery, safe operating practices, and maintenance-related problem solving.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Injection Molding and Automated Equipment Support

• Troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, and maintains plastic injection molding presses and related support equipment.

• Supports the operation, maintenance, and recovery of automated equipment, including hot runner systems, thermolators, thermocouples, bowl feeders, 6-axis robots, vision systems, cameras, PLC-controlled automation, and related machinery.

• Responds to equipment faults, alarms, downtime events, and abnormal conditions to restore equipment to safe and effective operation.

• Supports mold changes, startup activity, equipment adjustments, and changeovers to maintain production continuity and equipment readiness.

Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, and Automation Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls-related issues affecting molding machines, automated work cells, and related equipment.

• Troubleshoots and repairs electrical systems, including replacement of sensors, motors, drives, relays, wiring, and related components.

• Works on control panels and uses electrical schematics and technical documentation to diagnose and correct equipment problems.

• Supports troubleshooting of PLC-controlled equipment, including field devices, inputs/outputs, interlocks, and automation faults.

• Supports troubleshooting and recovery of robots, automated cells, sensors, guarding, vision systems, end-of-arm tooling, feeder systems, and related automation components.

• Identifies root causes of recurring equipment failures and implements corrective actions to reduce repeat breakdowns.

Preventive Maintenance and Reliability Improvement

• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on molding equipment, automated equipment, and plant machinery to reduce downtime and improve reliability.

• Helps develop, improve, implement, and sustain a preventive maintenance program for molding machines, automation systems, and related support equipment.

• Schedules and executes maintenance tasks to prevent failures, improve uptime, and support production continuity.

• Evaluates recurring equipment issues and failure history to improve preventive maintenance content and effectiveness.

Documentation, Vendor Coordination, and Cross-Functional Support

• Documents maintenance activities, repairs performed, equipment issues, downtime causes, and corrective actions accurately and completely.

• Coordinates with outside vendors, service providers, and OEM representatives regarding troubleshooting, repairs, technical support, parts, training, and equipment improvement.

• Supports procurement recommendations for spare parts, replacement components, repairs, and other maintenance-related needs.

• Works closely with operations and production personnel to support safe equipment operation, timely problem resolution, startup readiness, and stable production output.

• Maintains maintenance areas, tools, parts, and equipment in a clean, organized, and work-ready condition.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Safety and Risk Prevention

• Follows all company safety rules, maintenance procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and related operating expectations.

• Reports unsafe conditions, near misses, accidents, injuries, and equipment-related hazards promptly and supports corrective and preventive action.

• Supports safe maintenance practices during troubleshooting, repair, mold changes, startup, shutdown, and equipment recovery activities.

Authority and Decision Making

The Maintenance Technician is expected to exercise sound technical judgment within assigned responsibilities, safety requirements, and maintenance priorities. This position has authority to:

• Stop equipment for safety concerns or abnormal operating conditions.

• Shut down equipment when necessary to prevent damage or support safe repair activity.

• Troubleshoot and repair equipment issues within the scope of training and assigned responsibility.

• Escalate recurring failures, significant breakdowns, controls issues, vendor support needs, and unresolved technical problems.

• Recommend repairs, spare parts, maintenance improvements, and outside technical support.

• Support startup and return-to-service decisions following maintenance work, repairs, or adjustments.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of plastic injection molding machines, molding processes, tooling, and related support systems.

• Strong working knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment, including 6-axis robots, bowl feeders, vision systems, cameras, PLC-controlled automation, and related industrial equipment.

• Strong electrical troubleshooting capability involving sensors, motors, drives, relays, wiring, and control panels.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, technical manuals, and equipment documentation.

• Knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems used in industrial manufacturing equipment.

• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve controls, automation, and equipment performance issues in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

• Ability to support mold changes, changeovers, startup activity, and equipment adjustments tied to production demands.

• Ability to document maintenance work accurately and coordinate effectively with production personnel, leadership, vendors, and OEM technical resources.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or related computer systems needed to complete reports and maintenance documentation.

Key Outcomes and Performance Expectations

• Supports high equipment uptime across plastic injection molding machines, automated work cells, and related production equipment.

• Completes preventive maintenance work accurately, safely, and on schedule.

• Responds effectively to breakdowns and equipment faults to restore safe production operation.

• Helps reduce repeat equipment failures through sound troubleshooting and follow-up.

• Helps reduce scrap and production loss caused by equipment malfunction or poor equipment condition.

• Maintains accurate and timely maintenance documentation and repair records.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• At least 3 years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience supporting plastic injection molding equipment in a production setting.

• Experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems used in manufacturing equipment.

• Experience reading electrical schematics and troubleshooting industrial electrical systems.

• Experience supporting automated equipment, controls, or robotics in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Senior-level or journeyman-level industrial maintenance experience.

• Electrical, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or related technical training.

• Experience supporting 6-axis robots, automated work cells, vision systems, bowl feeders, and PLC-controlled automation.

• Experience developing or improving preventive maintenance programs in a manufacturing setting.

• Experience supporting mold changes, molding startup activity, and troubleshooting molding-process-related equipment issues.

• OEM training on robots, molding presses, automation systems, or related manufacturing equipment.

Work Environment and Schedule

• This position normally works day shift, Monday through Friday.

• Occasional weekend coverage, overtime, schedule adjustments, and off-hours support may be required based on business needs.

• The role works in an active manufacturing environment with regular exposure to molding equipment, automation, moving machinery, tools, electrical systems, noise, heat, and normal plant conditions.

• Domestic travel may be required on an occasional basis for training, vendor support, or equipment-related activity.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, using tools, and performing repetitive actions, including frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and crouching.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as needed.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.

• Visual acuity sufficient to read instructions, schematics, screens, labels, meters, and technical documentation and inspect equipment and components.

• Manual dexterity and coordination needed to use tools, test equipment, keyboards, and maintenance-related devices.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to successfully complete pre-employment screenings, including a background check, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

• Must have working knowledge of lockout/tagout requirements and the ability to apply safe maintenance practices in an industrial environment.

You should be proficient in:

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Maintenance and Repair Skills
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Equipment Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Systems & Component Repair
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Injection Molding Machine (Engel, Haitian)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi)
• Vision System (Keyence)