Mold/Die Specialist

Position Overview
The Mold Specialist is a hands-on technical position responsible for supporting injection molding operations through mold installation, mold maintenance, mold repair, and light machining activities. This position serves as a bridge between the Tool Room and Processing departments by assisting with mold changes, troubleshooting mold-related issues, performing preventative maintenance and repairs, and fabricating or modifying mold components as needed.
The Mold Specialist works closely with Die Setters, Process Technicians, Toolmakers, and Production leadership to minimize downtime, improve mold performance, and ensure molds are maintained in safe working condition.

Requirements
Education & Experience

• High School Diploma, Trade School Certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in injection molding, mold maintenance, toolmaking, die setting, machining, or a related technical field.
• Experience working with injection molds strongly preferred.
• Prior machining experience required.
• Welding experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mold drawings, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of injection molding equipment, molds, and mold components.
• Experience operating manual machining equipment.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to safely utilize tools such as torque wrenches, power tools, grinders, and machining equipment.
• Knowledge of mold maintenance and repair techniques.

Mold Installation & Production Support

• Assist with the installation, setup, and removal of injection molds from molding machines.
• Support Die Setters during mold changes and machine startups.
• Verify proper installation of water lines, hydraulic lines, valve gates, electrical connections, knockout rods, clamps, and other mold accessories.
• Clean mold platens and machine surfaces prior to mold installation.
• Follow mold startup procedures to ensure safe and efficient production launches.
• Troubleshoot mold-related issues during startup and production runs.
• Communicate mold concerns and repair needs to supervisors and tool room personnel.
• Support emergency mold repairs to minimize production downtime.

Mold Repair & Preventive Maintenance

• Inspect molds for wear, damage, flashing, venting issues, water leaks, and other performance concerns.
• Disassemble, clean, repair, and reassemble injection molds.
• Perform preventative maintenance on molds according to established schedules.
• Repair damaged mold components including inserts, ejector systems, slides, lifters, and cooling circuits.
• Polish mold surfaces and maintain proper mold finish requirements.
• Document repairs, maintenance activities, and mold condition reports.
• Recommend corrective actions to improve mold performance and reliability.

Machining & Fabrication

• Operate manual machine tools including lathes, Bridgeport milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and other tool room equipment.
• Manufacture, modify, or repair mold components and tooling as required.
• Read and interpret blueprints, mold drawings, part prints, and technical specifications.
• Calculate dimensions, tolerances, feeds, and speeds for machining operations.
• Select proper tooling and materials for repair and fabrication work.
• Monitor machining accuracy and verify completed work against specifications.
• Perform basic welding and fabrication activities as needed.
• Maintain tooling, equipment, and work areas in safe operating condition.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Follow all company safety policies including PPE requirements, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and safe lifting practices.
• Safely operate forklifts, hoists, chains, and mold handling equipment when authorized.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, improving mold reliability, and increasing efficiency.
• Maintain organized and clean work areas using 5S principles.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Additional Qualifications

• Hoisting license or ability to obtain one preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and sense of urgency.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.