Position SummaryProcess Technician III is a senior technical resource responsible for complex injection molding setup, optimization, troubleshooting, and technical leadership. This role mentors other technicians, drives process improvements, and may coordinate technical priorities or cover lead responsibilities when assigned. It is a hands-on, non-exempt position and does not replace formal supervisory accountability.
What You'll Do- Lead the diagnosis and correction of complex or recurring issues involving machines, molds, robotics, hot runners, process conditions, materials, and auxiliary systems.
- Establish and optimize robust processing windows using scientific molding principles, machine data, part quality, and cycle-performance results.
- Create, modify, validate, and document machine and robot programs within authorized change-control requirements.
- Guide technicians through difficult startups and troubleshooting events while keeping production leadership informed of risk, downtime, and recovery plans.
- Mentor and train Process Technician I and II employees; reinforce standard work and help evaluate practical skills and training needs.
- Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Engineering, and Safety on root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Identify and implement improvements that increase output, reduce cycle time and scrap, improve changeover performance, and prevent repeat failures.
- When assigned, help prioritize technician calls, coordinate shift technical coverage, support handoffs, and provide lead coverage without independently administering discipline or other formal supervisory actions.
- Support trials, new mold launches, process validation, documentation updates, and transfer of technical knowledge to production teams.
- Monitor injection molding machines and respond promptly to process-related issues to reduce downtime and scrap.
- Start up and adjust machines to support safe, efficient production and consistent product quality.
- Perform mold changes, insert changes, version changes, and date-code verification according to established procedures.
- Set up and operate auxiliary equipment used in the injection molding process.
- Set up, reference, and operate robotic material-handling equipment appropriate to the assigned level.
- Complete first-piece verification and required production, mold-change, and shift documentation accurately.
- Inspect in-process and finished product; identify defects and take or escalate corrective action.
- Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs involving machines, molds, heaters, thermocouples, and auxiliary equipment.
- Follow lockout/tagout, crane and sling inspection, machine-guarding, PPE, and all other safety requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and communicate production or quality concerns during shift handoffs.
- Perform other duties and provide overtime or shift coverage as assigned based on business needs.
What Distinguishes Level IIISuccessful Level III technicians are trusted technical leaders who resolve the toughest processing problems, prevent repeat failures, develop other technicians, and improve safety, quality, uptime, cycle performance, and scrap results.
Qualifications- Typically, five or more years of progressive injection molding Process Technician experience, including advanced setup, processing, and troubleshooting responsibility.
- Demonstrated mastery of injection molding fundamentals, process optimization, molding defects, pressure and velocity control, transfer, back pressure, decompression, clamp requirements, and hot-runner systems.
- Advanced experience with industrial robots, end-of-arm tooling, auxiliary equipment, machine controls, and safe mold-change practices.
- Proven ability to lead complex technical problem-solving, perform root-cause analysis, and communicate clear recovery or improvement plans.
- Experience training or mentoring technicians and working effectively across Production, Maintenance, Quality, Tooling, and Engineering.
- Strong computer, documentation, and data-analysis skills; formal plastics or scientific molding training is preferred.
- Ability to demonstrate required Level III competencies through Schaefer's skills assessment and practical evaluation.
Core Skills- Mechanical and process troubleshooting
- Safety and quality discipline
- Clear shift-to-shift communication
- Teamwork and knowledge sharing
- Organization, documentation, and follow-through
- Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Schedule and AttendanceThis position supports a 24/7 manufacturing operation and may be assigned to a rotating 12-hour day or night schedule, including weekends and holidays. Overtime, schedule changes, and shift coverage may be required based on production needs.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment- Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, elevated work areas, and moderate to loud noise.
- Regularly stand and walk; use hands and arms; and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Push, pull, lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and work safely around injection molding machines, robots, cranes, molds, and auxiliary equipment.
CompensationThe anticipated base pay range for this position is $35.00-$42.00 per hour. The actual starting rate will be based on relevant experience, demonstrated technical capability, shift assignment, internal equity, and other job-related factors. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law.
