Injection Molding Operator

Overview:
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. has built a reputation for over a century by crafting iconic tools and practical technology required in aerospace, data communications, electrical, wire processing and construction. The global family of IDEAL brands includes IDEAL Electrical, Anderson Power, Enatel, and IVRY Technologies.

A vibrant and dynamic company, IDEAL is best known for our wire connectors, the gold standard for making electrical connections around the world. Nearly every commercial jet is assembled using IDEAL wire strippers and, as part of the critical equipment on NASA missions, our tools even help NASA astronauts fly to the moon. Most important, our products benefit skilled tradespeople, who reach for IDEAL tools every day.

IDEAL is propelled by the concept of Building an IDEAL World. Our family-run business is committed to building ideal relationships with customers, employees, and communities by crafting some of our industry’s most innovative and trusted tools.

**Responsibilities**:
**PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Set up and operate injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment to mold products from thermoplastic materials.
- Install molds in the injection molding machine, setup the mold (cooling, mold opening, ejection) and initiate the startup process (material drying, system heating).
- Setting and optimizing machine controls, regulating molding temperature, volume of plastic, molding pressure and time, according to knowledge of plastics and molding procedures.
- Conduct multiple inspections on first off pieces and regularly during machine operation.
- Responsible for changing molds and completing set ups of hot and cold runner molds successfully.
- Completing documentation and quality logs and reports. Documenting mold or process issues.
- Conduct minor preventative machine maintenance and service procedures as scheduled.
- Conduct minor maintenance and assembly of injection molds as required.
- Troubleshooting and minor repair of any equipment issues as required.
- Follow all safety procedures.
- Other related duties as directed by management.

Qualifications:
**SKILLS / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED**:

- The incumbent should have a good understanding of the surrounding auxiliary equipment like dryers and cooling systems.
- A strong troubleshooting ability, diligence, and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and excellent organizational skills are required.
- Experience driving reach lift trucks.
- The incumbent must be capable of reading and interpreting documents such as safety policy and procedures, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Good written and oral communication skills; strong inter-personal skills; good diligence given the company wide impact; ability to be initiative-taking and incorporate efficiencies into daily tasks; creative individual with an expected ability to make recommendations for change and continuous improvement initiatives.
- an individual must be able to operate the machinery with efficiency to produce accurate parts in addition, individuals must be able to multitask while organizing daily work schedules.
- Must be able to follow directions, both verbal and written
- Ability to perform routine computer data entry and queries is required.

**EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE**
- High school diploma
- 5+ years of experience in setting up injection molding machines and processing.

**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS**
- Standing and/or walking while setting up, maintaining, and monitoring machines and production, and performing other job functions.
- Lifting and/or carrying up to approximately 50 lbs. while relieving or filling in for other department personnel or while performing other maintenance set up and operation functions.
- Pushing and/or pulling objects while performing set-up, routine repair work, and preventative maintenance.
- Occasional stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching while trouble-shooting machinery, performing machinery maintenance, and completing other job functions.
- Reaching to obtain, remove, and install machine parts in plant equipment; and to perform other job functions.
- Handling machine controls, parts, supplies, tools, and other related work materials while completing job functions.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT**
- Hot/cold temperatures based on seasonal variations.