Plastic Injection Molding Lead

3D Plastics is looking for an experienced Lead Operator with hands-on plastic injection molding experience. This is a working lead position for someone who already understands injection molding and is ready to take on additional responsibility supporting operators, production, quality, and daily operations.

Plastic injection molding lead experience is required. This is not an entry-level lead position.

Position Highlights

• Previous Lead experience in plastic injection molding REQUIRED
• Hands-on leadership on the production floor
• Run and support a variety of injection molding jobs
• Train and assist machine operators
• Help coordinate breaks and production coverage
• Monitor parts and ensure quality standards are met
• Communicate important information between shifts
• Be a go-to resource for the production team
• Full-time, non-exempt position

The Person We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced plastic injection molding lead who knows the production floor and can confidently support operators and keep things moving. You should be comfortable running injection molding jobs, recognizing quality issues, training employees, and communicating effectively with both operators and management.

If you've been a Lead Operator, Lead Machine Operator, or similar lead role specifically in plastic injection molding, we'd like to hear from you!

About the Position

The Lead Operator is a working lead who performs machine operator duties while helping coordinate and support the production team. The Lead Operator must be capable of running all jobs and serves as a resource for operators throughout the shift.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Shift Support

• Operate plastic injection molding equipment and be capable of running a variety of jobs.
• Assist operators with machine operation, job information, samples, and quality requirements.
• Conduct floor walks to ensure operators have the materials, paperwork, tools, and information needed for each job.
• Communicate important production information between shifts.
• Relay pertinent information to management, Project Managers, and Quality Control as needed.
• Assist the supervisor with daily production activities and fill in during supervisor absences as directed.

Quality

• Visually inspect parts and assist operators with quality questions.
• Identify and report defective parts or questionable conditions.
• Verify labels and packing instructions.
• Check parts against quality standards.
• Document production performance and quality issues.
• Communicate non-conforming product or process issues.
• Provide suggestions for improving packaging, trimming, and handling processes.
• Enter production information into TMM.

Training & Employee Support

• Train new and existing employees on injection molding jobs and procedures as needed.
• Help operators learn jobs they have not previously run.
• Assist employees with completing required production paperwork.
• Assess operator abilities and assign jobs appropriately.
• Coordinate break and lunch schedules.
• Provide relief for operators during scheduled breaks and lunches.

Required Qualifications

• Previous Lead Operator or Lead-level experience in a plastic injection molding manufacturing environment – REQUIRED
• Hands-on plastic injection molding experience – REQUIRED
• Ability to run a variety of injection molding jobs.
• Experience training and supporting machine operators.
• Ability to recognize and communicate quality issues.
• Ability to read prints and understand quality requirements.
• Experience using calipers and micrometers.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and use TMM production software.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Dependable and able to work independently.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance