Molding Processor

Department: Injection Molding

Position Summary

The Molding Processor is responsible for setting up, starting, troubleshooting, and optimizing injection molding machines to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production. This position is responsible for the process performance of assigned machines and plays a key role in minimizing downtime, improving cycle efficiency, reducing scrap, and maintaining product quality.

The ideal candidate has strong injection molding processing experience, excellent troubleshooting skills, and the ability to identify and correct process issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Machine Setup and Start-Up

• Perform machine start-ups, restarts, and process adjustments.
• Set, verify, and maintain processing parameters, including temperature, pressure, speed, and cycle times.
• Ensure molds are operating according to approved process standards.
• Support mold changes and ensure proper machine and process start-up following changeovers.
• Verify that machines and processes are ready for production and meet quality requirements.

Process Control and Optimization

• Monitor machine performance and adjust processing conditions to maintain product quality and production efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, improve cycle times, and increase machine productivity.
• Identify and correct process variation and instability.
• Maintain consistent processes across shifts by following established standards and procedures.
• Support efforts to optimize molding processes and improve overall equipment performance.

Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and correct common injection molding defects, including short shots, flash, splay, burns, warpage, and other quality issues.
• Respond promptly to machine alarms, process interruptions, and production issues.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process-related problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Toolroom personnel to address mechanical, tooling, or mold-related issues.

Production Support

• Provide technical support to machine operators, setters, and production personnel.
• Help maintain continuous machine operation and minimize production interruptions.
• Ensure machines are properly supplied with resin, colorants, and other required materials.
• Communicate machine status, process concerns, production priorities, and downtime issues to Production Supervisors.

Documentation and Process Standards

• Follow approved process sheets, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Document process changes, adjustments, and corrective actions as required.
• Maintain accurate records of machine start-ups, process adjustments, troubleshooting activities, and production issues.
• Support downtime tracking, root cause analysis, and corrective action initiatives.
• Assist with updating process documentation and standards as needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency, reduce waste, minimize downtime, and improve product quality.
• Participate in problem-solving, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support initiatives designed to improve cycle times, scrap rates, machine uptime, and process stability.
• Assist in training setters, operators, and new Molding Processors on established processes and best practices.

Safety and Workplace Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S standards.
• Ensure products, materials, tools, and equipment are properly stored and are not left on the production floor.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable manufacturing safety requirements.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential hazards.

Qualifications

Required

• 2–5 years of injection molding processing experience.
• Strong understanding of injection molding processes, materials, and processing parameters.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot molding defects and process issues.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow process sheets, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience with multi-cavity molds.
• Experience in high-volume injection molding production.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with process optimization, scrap reduction, and cycle-time improvement.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Clear and effective communication skills.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Toolroom, and Quality teams.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions when addressing production issues.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, moving equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Ability to safely perform required job duties while following all applicable safety procedures.

Work Schedule

Must be flexible and available to support the assigned production shift, including nights, weekends, and overtime as required by business and production needs.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Improved machine uptime and reduced downtime.
• Reduction in scrap and process-related waste.
• Efficient and stable machine start-ups.
• Consistent process performance across shifts.
• Improved cycle efficiency and process stability.
• Effective support of production schedules and quality requirements.
• Timely and effective troubleshooting of process and equipment issues.

You should be proficient in:

• Injection Molding Experience