Job Title: Tooling Repair Technician
Classification: Non-exempt
Wage: 26-35/hr
Job Summary
Maintain plastic injection molding production molds and tooling in safe, reliable, first-shot OK condition. Tear down, clean, inspect, replace wear items, and reassemble injection molds and related tooling; complete PMs by shot count/time and document all work.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Teardown and Rebuild: Pull and set molds; safely disassemble molds (plates, cores, cavities, ejector systems, lifters, slides, hot runner, heated manifolds); clean carbon/resin residue; inspect for wear/damage; replace standard components (springs, O-rings, pins, bushings); reassemble to drawing/spec and torque requirements.
- Cleaning and Preservation: Use approved solvents, and hand-polishing to clean; apply rust inhibitors; prepare molds for storage with correct protections and tags; operate and maintain declarer cleaner and properly dispose of used descaler.
- Systems Checks: Verify water/air circuits, leak integrity, and flow; check hot runner basics (heaters, thermocouples, connectors).
- Fit & Function Verification: Confirm free and aligned movement of slides/lifters/ejectors; check vent depths and parting line fit; bench-test mechanisms prior to release.
- Preventive Maintenance (PM): Execute PMs per shot count/time; stage PM kits and spares; flag components approaching end-of-life and recommend replacements.
- Documentation: Record findings, measurements, parts used, and photos in Tooling Traveler/Repair Log; update mold history and next-due PM.
- Issue Escalation: When damage exceeds bench scope, escalate to Operations Manager or approved vendor with clear notes, photos, and part lists.
- Shop Readiness (5S): Maintain a clean, organized bench; keep tools shadow-boarded and labeled; ensure hoists/rigging/PPE inspections are current.
- Collaboration: Partner with Operations and Quality to understand failure modes and reduce tool-related downtime.
- Safety and Compliance: Follow LOTO, chemical handling, rigging/hoist procedures, and machine-guarding rules; adhere to ISO 9001 document control.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong bench teardown/rebuild of injection molds (slides, lifters, ejectors, alignment).
- Precision measurement proficiency (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, dial indicators, torque tools).
- Print literacy (read mold assembly drawings, exploded views, part lists).
- Hot runner/water/air basic troubleshooting (leaks, blocked channels, heater/TC probe checks).
- Documentation discipline in Repair Log with photos/notes.
- Safe rigging and hoist operation (operate forklift and gantry crane for mold handling; strong LOTO habits.
- Root-cause mindset (why-why, A3, 8D), concise communication and cooperation with cross-functional teams.
- 5S habits; ability to maintain an organized, audit-ready work area.
Education and Experience
- Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent; 2+ years in injection mold maintenance/repair (plant toolroom or vendor).
- Preferred: Technical diploma/certification in industrial maintenance/tooling; exposure to ultrasonic/dry-ice cleaning, light polishing/benching; familiarity with mold steels, coatings, and venting practices.
- Nice to have: Basic shop equipment use (drill press, tapping, deburr); no complex machining required.
Physical Requirements
- Able to lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds; frequent standing, bending, reaching, and fine motor work at the bench.
- Work around moving equipment, oils/solvents, and heated tooling with required PPE.
- Primarily toolroom/shopfloor based; occasional off-shift or weekend support during changeovers or urgent repairs. Back up to Maintenance and Processing.
