About the Company
At AFA Dispensing, we develop smart, sustainable dispensing solutions for some of the world's leading brands in Beauty, Health, Personal, and Home Care. Our innovations are used globally, enhancing everyday experiences while reducing environmental impact.
But behind every great product is a great team. At AFA, you'll join an international, multi-cultural environment where collaboration, creativity, and passion drive everything we do. With our central locations in Chicago, Eindhoven, New Jersey, Shanghai and Singapore, our reach is global, and so are our ambitions.
Working with us means partnering with top industry players, taking on real responsibility, and contributing to products that make a difference. If you're driven by curiosity, innovation, and impact, we'd love to hear from you. We're growing fast and always on the lookout for new talent, experienced professionals, and bold thinkers. Ready to make your mark? Join our Woodstock, IL start-up facility. Let's shape the future of dispensing together.
Position Summary
The Set Up Technician is responsible for mold changes, machine setup, startup, shutdown, and basic process adjustments to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production of injection molded plastic components. This position works closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams to minimize downtime and maximize machine performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform mold changes on injection molding machines according to production schedules.
- Install, connect, and remove molds, water lines, hydraulic lines, electrical connections, and auxiliary equipment.
- Start up and shut down injection molding machines safely and efficiently.
- Set machine parameters according to established process sheets and production requirements.
- Monitor machine performance and make approved process adjustments to maintain part quality and cycle efficiency.
- Troubleshoot molding and processing issues such as short shots, flash, sink marks, burns, and dimensional concerns.
- Verify first-piece quality and ensure production meets customer specifications.
- Perform material changes as needed.
- Ensure all safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and company policies are followed during setup and mold change activities.
- Complete required production, setup, and quality documentation accurately.
- Assist maintenance personnel with troubleshooting machine or tooling issues when required.
- Support continuous improvement efforts focused on reducing setup times, scrap, and downtime.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of injection molding setup experience preferred.
- Knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, molds, and auxiliary equipment.
- Ability to read process sheets, work instructions, and production documentation.
- Understanding of molding defects and corrective actions.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to safely operate overhead cranes, forklifts, and mold handling.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift, push, pull, and move materials up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, bend, stoop, climb, and work around production equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.