Here at Westfall Technik, we pride ourselves on being ta fast growing Plastic Injection Manufacturing Company in the USA and soon Globally. While many companies outsource their work, we believe in keeping our jobs in the US. We currently support over 1,100 employees across 11 facilities in the US, and we are still growing.
At our Antioch, IL, we invest in our people. Our overall success is largely contributed to our employees’ skills and talents, that have been impactful and essential to the growth of our business. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to test your knowledge and skills and become a critical player within Westfall. We want you to view your time at Westfall as an investment to your future.
We are currently seeking a 3rd Shift Mold Technician/Set Up, with the below qualifications:
Shift: Sunday- Thursday, 10:45pm- 7:15am
Professional Attributes
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate’s degree or technical certification in Plastics Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field is preferred.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a Molding Technician, Set-Up Technician, or in a similar role within an injection molding or manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with various molding machines (e.g., injection molding, compression molding, blow molding) and the ability to set up, calibrate, and operate them.
- Strong understanding of mold setup, tooling changes, and troubleshooting of molding processes.
- Proficient in molding machine operations and setup procedures.
- Knowledge of dimensional inspection tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMMs), and how to conduct visual inspections of molded parts.
- Familiarity with mold maintenance, including basic troubleshooting and repair techniques.
- Understanding of process control and the ability to adjust molding parameters to improve quality and reduce defects.
- Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles and their application in molding and inspection.
- Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve molding defects and equipment issues.
- Ability to analyze production data and recommend process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to ensure smooth workflow and high-quality production.
- Team-oriented, with the ability to collaborate with others in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and the ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other relevant industry standards is a plus.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, and operating machinery.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail.
Desired Skills and Experience
1. Molding Setup & Operation:
- Set up molding machines (injection molding, compression molding, or other applicable equipment) according to production specifications, mold design, and quality standards.
- Perform machine calibration and adjustments for optimal molding process parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, cycle time).
- Install, align, and secure molds onto the molding machine, ensuring all components are correctly configured before production.
- Monitor machine performance during the production run to ensure consistent part quality and prevent defects.
- Transport raw materials, in-process components, and finished products between production and warehouse areas using pallet jacks, forklifts, or other approved equipment.
- Ensure timely replenishment of raw materials, colorants, films, and additives to production lines to avoid downtime.
- Load and unload materials from storage racks, trucks, and staging areas according to schedule.
- Accurately label, package, and palletize finished goods for storage or shipment.
- Dispose of waste and regrind material in accordance with company procedures and enviornmental regulations.
2. Quality Control & Inspection:
- Inspect molded parts during and after production to verify that they meet quality specifications (dimensional accuracy, visual appearance, etc.).
- Conduct regular checks for product conformity using inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machine), and other relevant measuring instruments.
- Work closely with the Quality Control team to identify defects, troubleshoot quality issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Maintain detailed records of inspection results and production parameters for traceability and quality assurance.
3. Mold Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
- Perform routine maintenance on molding machines and molds to ensure they are in good working condition and meet production requirements.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to molding defects (e.g., flash, short shots, sink marks, etc.) by adjusting machine settings or modifying mold designs.
- Collaborate with the maintenance team to schedule and execute mold repairs and maintenance activities.
4. Process Optimization & Efficiency:
- Continuously monitor and adjust molding parameters to optimize cycle times, reduce waste, and increase production efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to improve mold setup procedures and machine operation for better throughput and reduced downtime.
- Work with the Engineering and Production teams to implement process improvements, new techniques, and technologies to enhance production capabilities.
5. Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of machine settings, production parameters, and maintenance activities.
- Prepare detailed reports for the Quality Control team and management, highlighting production issues, mold maintenance activities, and corrective actions taken.
- Document all setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with company standards.
6. Collaboration & Communication:
- Work in close collaboration with Quality Control, Production, and Engineering teams to ensure that molding processes meet customer requirements and quality standards.
- Assist in the training of new molding technicians and operators, ensuring they understand proper machine setup, troubleshooting, and quality inspection procedures.
- Communicate with the team regarding production schedules, mold changes, and any potential production delays.
7. Safety & Compliance:
- Follow all safety protocols and best practices to ensure a safe working environment in the molding area.
- Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and company safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Ensure molding operations comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and internal quality control procedures.
What You’ll Love About Us:
- Salary: $27.00- $30.00 DOE + $1.00 Shift Differential (Based on education and experience)
- 11 Paid Holidays, Sick Pay, Vacation Pay
- 401K, Plus Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Company Sponsored Life and AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave, and More…
- We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, region, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.