Precision Injection Mold Toolmaker (Hot Runner Systems)

A day in this role: You arrive on the shop floor, review a complex hot runner tool scheduled for a modification, study the blueprint and prior repair notes, and map out your setup. You select tooling, dial in feeds and speeds, and machine components to tight tolerances. After a meticulous fit-up and assembly, you move the mold to the press, run a test shot, and troubleshoot a gate balance issue. By afternoon, you’re collaborating with design and processing teams on a new part, highlighting manufacturability risks and proposing tooling solutions. You wrap up by documenting inspections, heat-treating a repaired insert, and staging a jig-grinding setup for tomorrow.

• Build, repair, modify, and maintain plastic injection molds across a range of sizes and configurations.
• Interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, written instructions, and reverse-engineer from existing parts.
• Plan and execute tool-room machine setups based on materials, tolerances, feeds, and speeds.
• Fit and assemble mold components, tools, and dies with precision and care.
• Set up, run, and test molds in injection molding presses to confirm parts meet specification.
• Diagnose mold/tooling issues, identify root causes, and perform corrective repairs or modifications.
• Measure and inspect work before, during, and after machining to maintain tight tolerances.
• Use precision measuring and gauging instruments to verify critical dimensions.
• Perform welding and heat treatment on components as needed.
• Apply skilled use of hand tools and tool-room equipment for accurate modifications and repairs.
• Support injection molding press repairs or overhauls when required.
• Partner with product designers and engineering to surface manufacturability or tooling risks on new designs.
• Safely operate cranes, boring machines, machine tools, mold presses, and other mold-making equipment.
• Work closely with processors, maintenance, quality, mold setters, supervisors, and production teams to resolve tooling and production challenges.

• Completion of a formal apprenticeship, technical school mold/tool-making program, or equivalent five-year in-house training.
• 5 years of mold-making experience preferred.
• Strong background with plastic injection molds; hot runner system experience highly preferred.
• Expert blueprint reading and mechanical troubleshooting abilities.
• Hands-on proficiency with precision measuring and gauging tools.
• Depth in mold fitting, assembly, machining, welding, and repair.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and adjust molds during production.
• Exceptional manual dexterity for delicate, high-value tooling work.
• Self-directed, organized, and effective with minimal supervision.
• Clear communicator and pragmatic problem solver.

Work is primarily on the manufacturing/shop floor around injection molding presses, heavy tooling, and machine-shop equipment. Strict adherence to safety procedures is essential.

• Lift up to 60 pounds and safely position mold components and equipment.
• Good corrected vision and manual dexterity for blueprint reading, precision measurements, mold inspection, and detailed tooling work.

• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Injection molding
• Tool/die/mold setup
• Blueprint reading

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• Injection Molding Machine
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• Manual Vertical Mill
• Jig Grinder