Preventive Maintenance
- Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) programs for all 30 injection molding lines and associated auxiliary equipment including chillers, dryers, conveyors, and hot runner systems
- Inspect, lubricate, adjust, and replace mechanical components (gears, bearings, seals, hydraulic cylinders, tie bars, toggle mechanisms) per manufacturer specifications and PM schedules
- Maintain and update accurate maintenance records, PM logs, and work orders in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
- Monitor and track equipment performance data to identify trends, predict failures, and proactively schedule maintenance activities
- Perform routine inspections of hydraulic systems, cooling circuits, and electrical panels to identify early signs of wear or malfunction
Corrective & Emergency Maintenance
- Respond promptly and effectively to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime — a strong sense of urgency is essential in this role
- Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical failures on injection molding machines and peripheral equipment
- Troubleshoot barrel and screw wear, mold clamping issues, ejector system failures, hot runner malfunctions, and hydraulic pressure problems
- Coordinate with production supervisors to schedule corrective work with minimal disruption to output goals
- Escalate complex electrical or PLC-related issues to the appropriate team while providing mechanical support during troubleshooting
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) & Safety Compliance
- Strictly adhere to all LOTO/LOTOTO (Lockout/Tagout/Tryout) procedures on every piece of equipment before performing maintenance or repairs — zero exceptions
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource and positive role model for LOTO compliance among peers and production staff
- Participate in LOTO audits and inspections; identify and report any unsafe conditions, near-misses, or potential hazards immediately
- Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, GMP standards, and all applicable environmental guidelines
- Consistently use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe footwear
- Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and training sessions; support a culture of safety-first on the plant floor
Injection Molding Equipment Support
- Perform mold changes, mold installations, and mold alignments in collaboration with the tooling and production teams
- Assist in troubleshooting process-related issues including short shots, flash, sink marks, warping, and cycle time deviations that may have mechanical root causes
- Maintain and service hot runner controllers, temperature control units (TCUs), and auxiliary equipment
- Support nozzle, barrel, and screw maintenance including removal, inspection, cleaning, and reinstallation
- Work with tooling team to maintain mold integrity, cooling lines, and ejector components
Facilities & General Maintenance
- Perform general facility maintenance including compressed air systems, cooling towers, plant utilities, and infrastructure as needed
- Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment, production lines, and facility upgrades
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the maintenance shop, tool crib, and spare parts inventory
- Monitor and manage inventory of critical spare parts; notify supervision when reorder points are reached
- Support 5S initiatives and contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
Continuous Improvement & Teamwork
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify root causes of recurring equipment failures and implement lasting corrective actions
- Participate in kaizen events, reliability improvement projects, and maintenance strategy reviews
- Share technical knowledge and best practices with fellow maintenance technicians and cross-functional teams
Provide input on equipment purchases, PM program improvements, and facility upgrades based on hands-on experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience maintaining injection molding machinery and auxiliary plastics processing equipment
- Thorough knowledge and strict application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures — non-negotiable safety requirement
- Proven ability to work with urgency and prioritize effectively in a high-demand production environment
- Solid understanding of mechanical systems: gears, bearings, couplings, conveyors, hydraulics, and pneumatics
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, engineering drawings, schematics, and parts catalogs
- Experience with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS platforms
- Basic electrical troubleshooting capability (motors, relays, sensors, limit switches)
- Strong attention to detail, self-motivation, and ability to work independently or as part of a team
Ability to communicate effectively with production, engineering, and supervision teams
- Vocational/technical degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on training in industrial mechanics, millwright, or mechatronics
- 3+ years of experience specifically in injection molding maintenance within a high-volume plastics or packaging facility
- Experience with PLC troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI interfaces
- Knowledge of hot runner systems, mold temperature control, and process monitoring equipment
- Experience with hydraulic system repair including pump replacement, valve adjustment, and cylinder servicing
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), or Six Sigma methodologies
- Experience with mold change procedures, including mold alignment and qualification
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 75 lbs occasionally with assistance
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined spaces for extended periods
- Must be able to climb ladders and work at heights as needed