Plastics Maintenance Mechanic, Blow Molding & Injection Molding

As part of its mission, Alphapointe provides preferential hiring to people with vision impairments (legally blind).

Alphapointe is seeking a seasoned Plastics Maintenance Mechanic with hands-on experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing blow molding and injection molding machinery. This position plays a critical role in keeping production equipment operating safely, reliably, and efficiently.

The ideal candidate is an experienced industrial mechanic who can diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic problems; complete preventive maintenance; respond effectively to equipment breakdowns; and work collaboratively with production employees, supervisors, vendors, and other maintenance team members. The position may also assist with facility, utility, and general plant maintenance as operational needs require.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and support blow molding and injection molding machines and related production equipment.

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, temperature-control, and process-equipment problems.

• Perform scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.

• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and restore machinery to safe operating condition.

• Inspect machinery for worn or damaged components and complete necessary repairs or replacements.

• Repair and maintain auxiliary plastics-processing equipment, which may include:

• Material handling and conveying systems

• Dryers, loaders, and hoppers

• Granulators and grinders

• Chillers and temperature-control units

• Air compressors and vacuum systems

• Pumps, motors, gearboxes, and conveyors

• Assist with machinery changeovers, equipment adjustments, and production start-ups.

• Support mold installation, removal, alignment, and troubleshooting as assigned.

• Read and interpret electrical diagrams, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, blueprints, equipment manuals, and technical drawings.

• Use diagnostic instruments and appropriate tools to identify equipment failures and verify repairs.

• Perform basic welding, fabrication, machining, plumbing, carpentry, and facility repairs when needed.

• Document completed repairs, maintenance activities, parts used, and follow-up needs.

• Communicate equipment status and recurring problems to the Maintenance Manager and appropriate production personnel.

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, workplace safety, product quality, and maintenance efficiency.

• Maintain tools, equipment, work areas, spare parts, and maintenance supplies in an organized and safe condition.

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures, machine-guarding requirements, personal protective equipment requirements, and all other company safety practices.

• Assist outside contractors and equipment technicians when specialized service is required.

• Perform building, grounds, and general facility maintenance as needed.

• Complete other duties that support Alphapointe's production operations and mission.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of industrial maintenance experience, preferably in a plastics manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing blow molding and injection molding machinery.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience working with industrial motors, pumps, gearboxes, heaters, sensors, switches, relays, and temperature-control components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and equipment documentation.
• Ability to diagnose equipment problems systematically and complete repairs with limited supervision.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance and responding to production-equipment breakdowns.
• Basic fabrication, welding, machining, plumbing, or related trade skills.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop equipment.
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance needs in a changing production environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining safe work practices.
• Dependable attendance and reliable transportation.
• Basic personal hand tools and toolbox appropriate for industrial maintenance work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical degree, industrial maintenance certificate, skilled-trades apprenticeship, or equivalent military or industrial training.
• Experience with electrical troubleshooting and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with programmable logic controllers, variable-frequency drives, proximity sensors, thermocouples, and machine-control circuits.
• Experience maintaining plastics-processing auxiliary equipment and plant utility systems.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems or electronic maintenance records.
• Familiarity with continuous-improvement methods and equipment root-cause analysis.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in an active manufacturing environment.
• Must be comfortable working around operating machinery, production noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Regularly walks, stands, bends, stoops, kneels, reaches, climbs, and works in confined or elevated areas as required.
• Frequently uses hands and arms to operate tools and perform repairs.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment, tools, parts, and materials consistent with the physical demands of the position.
• Must be available to respond to urgent equipment problems and changing production priorities.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment and follow all established safety procedures.

Core Competencies

• Advanced mechanical aptitude
• Plastics machinery troubleshooting
• Electrical and controls troubleshooting
• Preventive maintenance
• Safety awareness
• Problem-solving and root-cause analysis
• Sense of urgency
• Dependability and follow-through
• Clear communication
• Teamwork and respect
• Flexibility and adaptability

About Alphapointe

Alphapointe is a mission-driven organization committed to creating opportunities and empowering people who are blind or visually impaired. The Plastics Maintenance Mechanic supports that mission by helping maintain a safe, dependable, and productive manufacturing environment where employees can perform meaningful work and succeed.

Alphapointe is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran