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.
What you will do
- 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.
Qualifications that set you up for success
- 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.
Physical and work environment
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.
Core proficiencies
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Injection molding
- Tool/die/mold setup
- Blueprint reading
Machines and technologies
- CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
- Injection Molding Machine
- CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
- Manual Vertical Mill
- Jig Grinder
