Set-up Technician - 2nd Shift - CT

Job Summary:

The Set Up Technician is responsible for developing, setting, monitoring, and optimizing injection molding processes to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable production of high-quality molded components. This role plays a critical part in startup validation, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and supporting production teams to meet customer and operational expectations.

At PTA Plastics, Set Up Technicians are hands-on problem solvers who combine technical molding expertise with data-driven decision-making and a strong commitment to quality, safety, and teamwork.

Shift:  3pm-11:30pm

Company Overview:

PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract manufacturing and tool-building industry, is looking for a Set Up Technician to join our dynamic team.

At PTA Plastics, we’re more than just a manufacturer; we partner with Fortune 500 OEMs in the medical device, defense, homeland security, and technology sectors, constantly pushing the boundaries of product development and manufacturing excellence. As an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in our success, creating a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation thrives.

Pay: below rates plus $2.00/hr shift differential

Entry Level: $21.86-$24.00

Mid Level: $25.00-$31.00

Max Level: $31.00-$40.00

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Process Setup & Optimization

• Perform mold setups, startups, and process validations.
• Establish and document robust, repeatable molding processes.
• Develop and optimize process parameters (fill, pack, hold, cooling, recovery, etc.).
• Conduct scientific molding studies (DOE, decoupled molding, gate seal, etc.).
• Validate new tools and support IQ/OQ/PQ activities as required.
• Monitor cycle times and adjust processes to improve efficiency and reduce scrap.

Troubleshooting & Support

· Diagnose and resolve molding defects (short shots, flash, splay, warp, sinks, etc.).

· Troubleshoot material, tooling, and machine-related process issues.

· Provide floor-level support to Production and Quality teams.

· Respond to process alarms and production disruptions in a timely manner.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to reduce scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives and efficiency projects.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and CI activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance on corrective actions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate process documentation and setup sheets.
• Ensure processes comply with quality standards and customer requirements.
• Support internal audits and customer audits as needed.
• Follow ISO, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Team & Training Support

• Train Operators and Technicians on process awareness and defect prevention.
• Support cross-functional teams including Quality, Engineering, and Tooling.
• Mentor junior technicians as applicable.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or vocational training in plastics manufacturing or related field is a plus.
• 3+ years of injection molding experience (Set Up Technician, Process Technician or similar role).
• Strong understanding of injection molding fundamentals.
• Ability to read and interpret part prints and specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting common molding defects.
• Working knowledge of scientific molding principles.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with decoupled molding practices.
• Familiarity with ERP or production monitoring systems.
• Experience in medical, tight-tolerance, or regulated molding environments.
• Understanding of automation, robotics, or secondary operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the production floor for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools, machine components, and molds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
• Good vision and color perception for inspecting parts and identifying any defects or abnormalities.
• Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and withstand exposure to noise levels associated with manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to receive, comprehend and utilize required training from OSHA and Company including but not limited to the following:
• Hazard Communication
• Lock Out/Tag Out
• First Aid and CPR (optional)

ITAR Requirements: To conform to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at PTA Plastics must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. 

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance Statement

PTA Plastics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities. As part of this commitment, PTA Plastics complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Connecticut’s Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA), which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in hiring, job assignments, promotions, compensation, benefits, training, and other aspects of employment.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of this position, please contact [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.