Process Technician

Process Technician – Injection Molding *Location:* Akron, OH *Pay:* $25.00 – $32.00/hour *Shift:* 2nd Shift | 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM *Industry:* Plastics Manufacturing We are currently recruiting for an experienced *Process Technician* to join an established plastics manufacturing operation in the Akron, OH area. This is a hands-on, technically advanced role within an *injection molding environment*, supporting production through process development, optimization, troubleshooting, mold qualifications and technical problem-solving. The Process Technician will act as a key technical resource on the production floor, working closely with molding leadership, engineering, tooling and production teams to ensure injection molding processes are running safely, efficiently and consistently. Shift *2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM* The successful candidate must be willing to work overtime, including weekends, when required, and may occasionally be asked to support other shifts. Pay *$25.00 – $32.00/hour*, depending on experience and qualifications. Key Responsibilities * Develop, optimize and troubleshoot *injection molding processes* * Work with a wide variety of *engineered and commodity plastic resins* * Analyze and improve processing parameters to maximize quality, efficiency and productivity * Review *cycle times, scrap rates, production counts and machine performance* * Optimize molding processes across multiple injection molding presses * Conduct *new mold qualifications, mold tryouts and pilot production runs* * Establish effective and repeatable processing conditions for new and existing molds * Troubleshoot injection molding machines, molds, tooling and auxiliary equipment * Identify tooling-related issues during machine start-ups, process adjustments and production runs * Communicate tooling and process issues to engineering, tooling, molding and production leadership * Provide technical guidance and training to *Mold Setters, Processors and Level 2 production personnel* * Train employees on injection molding processes, machine controls, processing techniques and problem-solving methods * Provide training on dryers, thermolators, robotics, printers, data collection systems and other auxiliary equipment * Recommend equipment, materials and process improvements to reduce mold changeover times and improve production efficiency * Review the work performed by Mold Setters and Processors and provide guidance on improving efficiency and consistency * Ensure proper completion of mold setup, pullout, startup and shop order documentation * Maintain accurate processing records and departmental documentation * Work closely with the Process Engineer, Tooling/Production Specialists and Molding Manager to achieve processing requirements * Support continuous improvement initiatives across the molding department * Serve as the technical resource for gas-assist related components and troubleshooting * Assist with production and equipment-related problems as required * Step into a *shift leadership / supervisory capacity* when required * Help coordinate production activities and provide direction to the molding team when leadership coverage is needed * Maintain a strong focus on minimizing start-up waste, scrap and production defects * Follow all safety, quality, ISO and company procedures What We're Looking For The ideal candidate will have: * *5+ years of advanced injection molding experience* * Strong experience as an *Injection Molding Process Technician, Processing Technician, Molding Technician or similar* * Extensive hands-on experience with *injection molding process setup, optimization and troubleshooting* * Strong knowledge of injection molding machine controls and startup procedures * Experience with *mold tryouts and new mold qualifications* * Strong understanding of plastic resins, including *engineered resins* * Knowledge of resin mixing, material handling and processing requirements * Experience troubleshooting molding processes and identifying root causes of defects * Ability to analyze cycle times, scrap and production data to optimize processes * Experience working with *robots and auxiliary molding equipment* * Knowledge of thermolators, dryers and other process-support equipment * Strong mechanical aptitude and technical troubleshooting ability * Ability to read and follow technical documentation and written procedures * Strong communication and leadership skills * Ability to make independent technical decisions with limited supervision * High school diploma or equivalent required Preferred Technical Experience Candidates with experience in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: * Injection molding process optimization * Mold tryouts * New mold qualifications * Engineering / specialty resins * Gas-assist injection molding * Robotics * Automated molding equipment * Thermolators * Resin dryers * Injection molding machine controls * Process parameter development * Cycle-time optimization * Scrap reduction * Root-cause troubleshooting * Continuous improvement * Tooling troubleshooting Leadership Responsibilities This position is more than a traditional processing role. The Process Technician serves as a *technical leader on the production floor*. You will provide direction and technical support to Mold Setters and Processors, review their work, help troubleshoot production issues and train team members on efficient processing techniques. The successful candidate may also *step in for shift leadership when required*, making previous experience leading, training or mentoring production employees highly valuable. Physical Requirements This is a hands-on manufacturing position. The successful candidate must be comfortable: * Standing and walking for the majority of the shift * Frequently bending, twisting, stooping and reaching * Lifting approximately *25 lbs or more* * Working around heat, dust and industrial machinery * Working at heights and in confined or tight areas when required * Using hand tools and mechanical equipment * Operating tow motors and working around overhead cranes * Working around injection molding presses, molds and auxiliary equipment Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced *Injection Molding Process Technician* looking to take on a technically challenging role with significant responsibility on the production floor. You'll have the opportunity to influence *process optimization, mold qualifications, production efficiency, scrap reduction and product quality*, while also serving as a technical resource and leader for the molding team. *If you have 5+ years of advanced injection molding processing experience and are confident troubleshooting and optimizing molding processes, we'd like to hear from you.* Pay: $25.57 - $32.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: In person