Job Title: Mold Technician - 2nd Shift
Job Description
The Mold Technician is a hands-on technical role responsible for performing molding machine setups, start-ups, operation, and shut-downs on 2nd shift. This position focuses on mold changes, lockout/tagout procedures, mold setting, material handling, and basic troubleshooting to ensure that molding machines, molds, and related equipment operate safely, efficiently, and reliably in a high-volume plastic injection molding environment.
Responsibilities
Set up, start up, operate, and shut down injection molding machines on 2nd shift according to established procedures and production requirements.
Perform mold changes and mold setups, including removing and installing molds, securing them properly, and verifying correct alignment and function.
Execute lockout/tagout procedures to ensure safe machine and mold changeovers and maintenance activities.
Handle and stage materials required for molding operations, including loading materials into machines and ensuring proper material flow.
Monitor machines, molds, and auxiliary equipment during operation to confirm proper function, part quality, and adherence to process parameters.
Troubleshoot basic molding and mechanical issues to minimize downtime and maintain consistent production output.
Assist with maintenance-related tasks such as minor adjustments, basic mechanical repairs, and mold setup corrections as needed.
Use an overhead crane safely to move, position, and secure molds and tooling according to safety and operational guidelines.
Enter and revise molding press programming as needed, ensuring accuracy and adherence to production specifications.
Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment, safe lifting techniques, and awareness of working around magnetic fields.
Complete Mold Technician Level 1 training within 7 days of starting, Level 2 training within 90 days, and Level 3 training within 180 days, demonstrating progression in skills and knowledge.
Participate in continuous improvement and kaizen initiatives to support a clean, organized, and efficient molding area.
Collaborate with team members, production, and maintenance personnel to meet production targets and quality standards.
Maintain an organized work area, including proper storage of tools, equipment, and materials to support 5S and continuous improvement efforts.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of injection molding experience in a production environment.
At least 1 year of mold setting and material handling experience in a plastic injection molding setting.
At least 1 year of overhead crane experience for moving and positioning molds and tooling.
Mechanical aptitude with experience in machine operation, machine setup, and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
Ability to perform mold setup, mold changes, and tooling adjustments safely and accurately.
Capability to enter and revise molding press programming with adequate visual acuity.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including standing and walking for the entire shift, repeated bending and lifting, and lifting 60 pounds repeatedly.
Capability to exert up to 150 foot-pounds on a torque wrench for securing molds and components.
Ability to meet requirements for a crane license and safely operate lifting equipment around molds and machinery.
Comfort working around a magnetic field as part of the molding and tooling environment.
Achievement of a minimum score of 16 on the Wonderlic Personnel Test or equivalent assessment as required.
Ability to wear steel-toed footwear and other required personal protective equipment throughout the shift.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
1-2+ years of experience in a plastic injection molding environment, including machine operating and machine setup.
Experience with troubleshooting molding processes, mechanical issues, and basic maintenance repair in a manufacturing setting.
Exposure to tooling, mold setup optimization, and continuous improvement practices such as kaizen.
Willingness and ability to complete structured Mold Technician Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 training within defined time frames.
Openness to taking a skills assessment to determine placement as Mold Technician Level I, II, or III.
Strong attention to detail and safety when performing lockout/tagout, crane operation, and mold changes.
Reliability to work assigned shift schedules and typical automotive overtime of 5-10+ hours per week.
Why Work Here?
You will join a people-first culture that invests heavily in your growth through structured Mold Technician Level training and paid molding certifications after you transition to direct employment. The organization offers great benefits and paid time off, along with a strong focus on continuous improvement and kaizen that supports a professional and organized work environment. You can increase your earnings as you advance from Level 1 to Level 3 within your first year by completing training and certifications, and you receive shift premiums for off-shift work. Employees enjoy regular events that foster teamwork and community, as well as consistent overtime opportunities for those who want to boost their income.
Work Environment
This role is based in a large, high-volume injection molding and automotive manufacturing plant in southwest Michigan. The facility operates multiple shifts, with 2nd shift running from approximately 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and additional 1st and 3rd shift operations. Employees can expect 5-10+ hours of overtime, which is typical for the automotive industry. The injection molding area sees heavy use, so the environment can be dirtier and can become warm during the summer months, while still maintaining strong organization due to ongoing continuous improvement and kaizen initiatives. Work is hands-on and physically demanding, requiring standing and walking for the entire shift, repeated bending and lifting, and the ability to lift 60 pounds repeatedly. Team members work around injection molding machines, molds, tooling, magnetic fields, and overhead cranes, and must wear steel-toed footwear and appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Kalamazoo, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $22.90/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Kalamazoo,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including med
