Injection Molding Process Technician

Cell Lead signs off that a setup is complete and fills out Startup paperwork, then the Process Technician will be responsible for reviewing the setup and startup paperwork has been completed and corresponding work has been completed to a satisfactory level. Evaluate established molds and processes, and recommend changes or revisions for potential production improvements, justify changes, implement changes working with appropriate support departments.

We are hiring for a 3rd Shift, Injection Molding Technician in the Lawrenceburg, TN area.

Pay rate is $24-$30+ per hour plus OT eligible and .30/HR shift premium

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Sets and starts existing processes. Uses critical thinking skills to resolve processing issues.
• Qualification of molds, mold revisions and prototype molds on first and subsequent tryouts, until the mold has been deemed production ready.
• Evaluate established molds and processes, and recommend changes or revisions for potential production improvements, justify changes, implement changes working with appropriate support departments.
• Develop and document all pertinent information pertaining to qualification and establishing production processes. This includes production specifications related to molds, cycles, auxiliary equipment, part handling, packaging, and secondary operations.
• Troubleshoot molding machine deficiencies and recommend probable change and/or repair, work with appropriate support departments to implement changes.
• Investigate customer complaints and rejects. Implement and verify corrective actions to assure acceptable quality and profitability.
• Evaluate new equipment as directed.
• Investigate and recommend new manufacturing techniques for process improvements.
• Actively participate in pre-design, design review and pre-production meetings.
• Investigate and recommend new manufacturing techniques for process improvements.
• Develop and conduct on the job training for manufacturing personnel as assigned.
• Understand and apply all lean manufacturing principles to all new and existing processes (5S, takt time, kanban, standard work, quick change set-up, continuous improvements, etc.)
• Will be responsible for each Cell Leads daily activities and that the activities assigned in each cell are in alignment with the production plan priorities.
• As the Process Technician A, you will be responsible to move Technical Staff between cells to ensure the production plan is met.
• Will answer to all escalated trouble shooting issues across the plant as they progress from the Setup Tech to Cell Lead and then Technical Lead.
• The Process Technician A will be required to attend all A-Teams across the plant.
• o A-team is an event that occurs when a problem is discovered on the production floor and requires immediate action to resolve as it pertains to product currently being produced. You will determine if the production issue pertains to Processing and/or Tooling and work through the 6-D process to aid the owners of the corrective actions that will resolve and prevent the issue from reoccurring. This will include but not be limited to making decisions whether to run or shutdown a press. The inspection group, shift supervisor along with the Technical Lead will attend the A-team out at the press.
• All decisions to run or shut down presses need to be communicated through the Technical Shift Lead
• The Process Technician will be responsible for maintaining a shift log of all activities each Technical Staff member was assigned and completed during the shift.
• The Process Technician A will perform Startups and answer Trouble shooting. They will float throughout the plant acting in this role.
• The Process Technician A will aid the Cell Leads to verify and signoff on all Setups and Startups after they are completed. Cell Lead signs off that a setup is complete and fills out Startup paperwork, then the Process Technician will be responsible for reviewing the setup and startup paperwork has been completed and corresponding work has been completed to a satisfactory level.
• Instruct employees in job operations and procedures; by use of the Job Task Awareness (JTA's) and Computer based training as they pertain to the Setup B / Setup A and Process Tech roles.
• Will assist in gathering information as required per the DMI process for any material issue that is exposed during the production run. This will be done throughout the plant and you will aid in putting into place corrective actions that reduce material issues out on the floor.
• Will aid in ensuring all process verifications are completed across the plant.
•  Process verifications are performed on each press that is running to verify it is centered within the processing window established.
• Will aid in ensuring all corrective actions for customer complaints are being upheld on the production floor.
• Utilize the certified shift training personnel to assist with scheduled training activities.
• Perform related administrative and clerical functions for the department or work group as assigned by the shift supervisor or department manager. Includes, but is not limited to, updating the daily planning sheet, updating the Job Specific Training (JST) training database; and auditing the work of the operators and or set-up personnel to ensure compliance with training certification, standard operating procedures and quality procedures.
• Assume responsibility for the department or work group in the absence of the supervisor; except in the areas of hiring, firing, progressive corrective action, and wage adjustments.
• In the absence of the supervisor, may recommend to the most immediate supervisor or department manager, progressive corrective action of an employee if required.
• Assist with the implementation of manufacturing process corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Required: 

• Experience in thermoplastic injection molding set-up and processing.
• Thorough understanding of molding machine principles and functions.
• Plastic resins and their various processing difference.
• Troubleshooting of molding process and resin capabilities.
• Basic mold design and function.
• Some knowledge of tooling fundamental skills, working knowledge of process controllers, heat history of material flow (rheology).
• Computer skills using work processing and spread sheet software.
• Problem solving skills.