Mold Technician II

Position Summary

The Mold Technician performs routine maintenance on plastic injection molds both in the press and on the bench under the direct supervision of a Lead Technician or Senior Mold Technician. This includes disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, organizing, repairing, and reassembling complex tooling.

This position also requires hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining injection mold hot runner systems to support mold performance, reduce downtime, and ensure consistent production quality.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance on plastic injection molds in the press and on the bench.
• Disassemble, visually inspect, clean, organize, repair, and reassemble complex high-cavitation tooling.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain injection mold hot runner systems, including heaters, thermocouples, manifolds, nozzles, valve gates, wiring, and related controls.
• Diagnose hot runner issues such as heater failures, thermocouple faults, temperature-control issues, wiring problems, manifold/nozzle concerns, and valve gate malfunctions.
• Ensure all equipment and tooling are working properly.
• Maintain shop awareness, organization, and cleanliness.
• Participate in activities to ensure departmental compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company regulatory requirements, including FDA, EPA, OSHA, ISO, EEOC, and Company policies related to product manufacturing, batch control, documentation, housekeeping, preventative maintenance, calibration, associate training, and safety.
• Work on special projects as they arise or as directed.
• Demonstrate support through strong communication skills, positive attitude, dedication, commitment, respect, pride, and trust.
• Troubleshoot mechanical assemblies and tooling issues.
• Use basic measurement techniques and tools, including micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
• Complete shop paperwork and documentation using correct terminology, including FA and tool work orders.
• Apply basic electrical understanding when troubleshooting mold and hot runner components.
• Stone and polish mold components as required.
• Assist with setting and timing unwinds.
• Machine, fabricate, repair, or modify mold components as needed.
• Read and understand drawings, including 2D prints and 3D models.
• Understand and apply proper torque settings.
• Understand the difference between Standard and Metric tooling, fasteners, and measurements.
• Take initiative and ownership of assigned tasks and projects.
• Perform these and other duties as necessary or required, the inclusion of which will not alter the basic scope of the position.
• Production circumstances may require working outside normal business hours.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic shop tools and hand tools.
• Basic shop math skills.
• Understanding of mold mechanics, terminology, and component functions.
• Understanding of injection molding machine mechanics and terminology.
• Hands-on knowledge of injection mold hot runner systems, including troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.
• Basic electrical knowledge related to hot runner systems, heaters, thermocouples, wiring, and controls.
• Understanding of surface finishes and how they are achieved.
• Ability to read and understand 2D prints.
• Basic understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and servo systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with machining equipment and operations is desired.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of tool making, tool repair, or mold maintenance experience required.
• Previous injection molding experience desired.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining injection mold hot runner systems required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• This role routinely uses standard office and shop equipment.
• Work may be performed in a clean room environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Job duties may require working inside and outside injection molding machines and working on ladders.
• Required to be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Work schedule may change at any time based on business needs.
• Typically requires travel less than 5% of the time.