Injection Molding Operator

Injection Operator

Location: Cowpens, SC

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Company Overview

We are a privately held, family-owned company founded in 1926 and is one of the leading manufacturers of plastic closures for food, beverage, and industrial markets. Due to continued growth, we are seeking dedicated Injection Operators to join our team.

Key Responsibilities

General Duties

• Follow all safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at all times (e.g., no jewelry, cell phones, nicotine products).
• Report any food safety issues to the appropriate manager or supervisor.
• Perform housekeeping duties throughout the shift.
• Lift up to 35 pounds unassisted and remain standing/walking for the duration of the shift.
• Dispose of scrap into designated containers.
• Initiate corrective action for non-conformances.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and log them into the See It, Sort It, Report It system.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Adapt quickly to new tasks and work areas based on customer demands.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor.

Injection Operator Responsibilities

• Start up and shut down injection molding machines.
• Monitor machines to ensure they are operating according to the production schedule.
• Respond to machine alarms and troubleshoot as needed.
• Conduct and document quality checks (bingo trays, visual inspections, and performance checks).
• Maintain accurate production paperwork, process adjustments, and machine documentation.
• Package and tag finished products.
• Perform preventive maintenance on molds as prescribed.
• Sanitize machines and molds daily and weekly.
• Change over machines for different product runs.
• Issue work orders for machine, mold, and safety concerns.
• Record machine issues using the OPS Tracker system.
• Set up and verify lines using the Docushare document management system.
• Maintain and document master cleaning schedules.
• Collect, weigh, and log plant scrap at the end of each shift.
• Perform color changes using Plastrac, Movacolor, and Wittman systems.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Basic math skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Experience & Education

• Minimum: 1 year of manufacturing experience in injection molding (required).
• Preferred: High school diploma.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Perfect attendance awards.
• Employee fitness reimbursement.