About this role
Job DetailsPosition Summary
Landmark Plastic Corporation is seeking a motivated and experienced Lead Thermoforming Technician to provide technical leadership within the Thermoforming Department. This position is responsible for maximizing machine performance, maintaining product quality, supporting production goals, and coaching Machine Technicians on best practices.
The Lead Thermoforming Technician serves as the first technical resource on the production floor by assisting with machine troubleshooting, process improvements, mold changes, operator development, and communication between production, maintenance, quality, and supervision.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent production while fostering continuous improvement throughout the department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Production Leadership
Lead daily operation of assigned thermoforming lines.
Monitor production output to ensure schedule attainment.
Prioritize production based on customer demand and production schedules.
Coordinate machine startups and product changeovers.
Assist supervisors in assigning work and balancing workloads.
Ensure production goals are achieved while maintaining quality standards.
Machine Setup & Processing
Perform complete machine setups and changeovers.
Optimize machine cycle times.
Adjust processing parameters for maximum efficiency.
Verify recipes and machine settings before production begins.
Reduce setup time through standardized procedures.
Develop and maintain machine setup documentation.
Troubleshooting
Serve as the first level of technical support by diagnosing and resolving issues involving:
Material feeding
Heating systems
Cooling systems
Vacuum systems
Air systems
Mold performance
Part quality
Trim operation
Product stacking
Machine alarms
Escalate issues requiring maintenance support when appropriate.
Quality Assurance
Verify products meet customer specifications.
Monitor
Product weight
Color
Wall thickness
Dimensions
Trim quality
Cosmetic appearance
Investigate quality concerns.
Implement corrective actions.
Work closely with Quality to reduce scrap and improve yields.
Document process adjustments and production issues.
Equipment Maintenance
Perform routine machine inspections.
Assist with preventative maintenance activities.
Identify worn tooling and machine components.
Monitor
Chains
Bearings
Pierce wheels
Cooling systems
Vacuum systems
Heating elements
Recommend maintenance repairs before failures occur.
Leadership & Training
Train new Machine Technicians and Operators.
Coach employees on
Machine operation
Safety
Quality expectations
Standard work
Troubleshooting techniques
Verify employee competencies.
Support implementation of the Thermoforming Training Academy.
Assist in developing training materials and work instructions.
Safety
Promote a strong safety culture.
Ensure proper PPE is worn.
Correct unsafe behaviors immediately.
Report safety concerns.
Participate in safety investigations.
Conduct equipment safety inspections.
Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained.
Communication
Communicate production status during shift handoffs.
Coordinate with
Thermoforming Supervisor
Maintenance
Extrusion
Quality
Shipping
Report machine downtime and production concerns promptly.
Administrative Responsibilities
Scan rolls into QAD.
Complete production documentation.
Verify production counts.
Record downtime.
Complete shift reports.
Document corrective actions.
Maintain setup documentation.
QualificationsQualifications
High school diploma or GED preferred.
3–5 years of thermoforming experience preferred.
Demonstrated leadership abilities.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
Ability to read production documentation and specifications.
Experience operating thermoforming equipment.
Basic computer skills.
Experience with QAD or similar ERP systems preferred.
Forklift certification (or ability to become certified).
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to train and mentor others.
Commitment to continuous improvement.
Knowledge & Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of:
Thermoforming processes
Machine setup
Mold changes
Material handling
Plastic behavior during forming
Heating and cooling systems
Vacuum systems
Air systems
Lean manufacturing principles
Root cause analysis
Problem solving
Preventative maintenance
Workplace safety
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to
Lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.
Stand and walk for extended periods.
Bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach.
Work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.
Work around moving mechanical equipment.
Wear required PPE.
Work in noisy environments requiring hearing protection.
Work Environment
This position is performed in a manufacturing facility where employees are routinely exposed to:
Moving machinery
Hot surfaces
Plastic fumes (non-hazardous)
Noise
Dust
Oils and lubricants
Temperature fluctuations
Proper PPE is required at all times.
Position Expectations
The Lead Thermoforming Technician is expected to
Lead by example.
Promote teamwork and accountability.
Support continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and mentor employees.
Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
Demonstrate professionalism and positive communication.
Act as the technical expert and first point of contact for production issues on the shift
Tired of cold applications?
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Know someone who'd be great for this?