Plastics Changeover and Tooling Mechanic

About the Role

When a production line needs to pivot, you’re the go-to expert. You’ll lead mechanical changeovers—setting up lines, swapping molds and trim tools, replacing guide bars, dialing in pick adjustments, and fine-tuning control parameters. You’ll troubleshoot equipment issues, optimize related systems, and keep quality and throughput on target. You’ll also support a robust preventive maintenance cadence (weekly, monthly, quarterly), including component rebuilds on trim presses, formers, printers, grinders, tooling, and automation assets. Flexibility to work overtime, be on call, and adjust hours/shifts/teams is essential.

A Day in the Life

• Execute efficient major and minor changeovers from tear-down to verified production start-up.
• Disassemble, clean, repair, and reassemble tooling per maintenance standards and in response to component failures.
• Own full mold change cycles: disconnect, remove, relocate, install, reconnect, set up, and validate through to production.
• Manage tooling storage and organization for readiness and quick retrieval.
• Drive changeover time-reduction initiatives and best practices.
• Maintain tool cleaning systems, including the cleaning tank—change filters, refresh solution, and clean the tank itself.
• Support and perform mold PM schedules; regularly clean and inspect molds.
• Document and maintain history records for specific molds.
• Recommend modifications or upgrades that minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Pitch in on daily routines such as mold cleaning and shop set-ups; perform mold changes as needed.
• Train and oversee associates to protect the integrity of changeovers and machine set-ups.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and safe to enhance efficiency.
• Specify and procure spare parts to maintain uptime.
• Assist with process technician tasks as assigned and perform all other duties as needed.

What You Bring

• Experience as a skilled machinist in a high-precision manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Desktop application proficiency, including data collection and analysis.
• Proven ability with close-tolerance fabrication, component assembly, and machine set-up.
• Strong use of precision measurement and set-up tools.
• Comfort with computerized machine controls and HMIs.
• Highly organized problem-solver who can juggle multiple priorities; self-motivated with accountability.
• Clear written and verbal communication across all organizational levels.
• Strong work practices; understands work design and can act without step-by-step direction.
• Self-directed, minimal-supervision operator with a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Team player willing to assist with process technician responsibilities as assigned.
• Preferred knowledge: hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, and general maintenance.
• Preferred industry background: injection molding and/or plastics.
• Preferred: experience operating cranes and forklifts and handling heavy molds.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Proficiencies

• Plastic extrusion
• Injection molding
• Thermoforming
• Tool/die/mold set-up

Machines & Technologies You’ll Use

• Injection molding machines
• Extrusion machines
• Blow molding machines

Work Rhythm

Expect variable scheduling with overtime, on-call needs, and shift/team adjustments based on production priorities.