Injection Molding Maintenance Specialist (Automation & Robotics)
Airspeed Manufacturing Vietnam, Mebane, NC, United States
Role Overview
As an Injection Molding Maintenance Specialist, you’ll be the go‑to expert keeping our plastic molding and automated systems safe, stable, and productive. Your work blends hands‑on troubleshooting with preventive care across molding presses, hot runner systems, thermolators, thermocouples, bowl feeders, 6‑axis robots, vision systems, cameras, and PLC‑driven automation.
A Day in the Role
Begin with a quick check of overnight logs and alarms, then prioritize any urgent equipment recoveries.
Jump into electrical and mechanical diagnostics—tracing sensors, motors, drives, relays, and wiring on control panels using schematics.
Support mold changes and startups, fine‑tuning equipment adjustments to ensure smooth launches and reliable output.
Partner with production, operations, and OEM vendors to coordinate repairs and source critical parts.
Execute scheduled preventive maintenance to eliminate repeat faults and extend equipment life.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Restore equipment quickly and safely after alarms, faults, and unplanned downtime.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls issues on molding machines and automated cells.
Diagnose PLC I/O, interlocks, field devices, and automation faults; support robot and vision system recoveries.
Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce recurring breakdowns and scrap.
Document work with precision—repairs, downtime causes, and corrective measures—so the team learns from every event.
Leadership Without Direct Reports
This position has no formal supervisory duties, but you will provide daily technical guidance to peers for safe practices, troubleshooting approaches, and minor repairs.
Decision‑Making Authority
Stop or shut down equipment for safety or to prevent damage.
Perform repairs within your training and scope; elevate significant issues or vendor needs.
Recommend spare parts, improvements, and outside technical support.
Support return‑to‑service decisions following maintenance and adjustments.
What You Bring
Deep familiarity with plastic injection molding equipment, processes, and tooling.
Hands‑on experience with automated manufacturing assets: 6‑axis robots, bowl feeders, vision/camera systems, and PLC automation.
Proven electrical troubleshooting on sensors, motors, drives, relays, and wiring; strong panel and schematic skills.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems used in industrial environments.
Comfort supporting mold changes, changeovers, startups, and equipment fine‑tuning.
Clear documentation habits and communication with production, leadership, vendors, and OEMs.
Competence with Microsoft Office or similar tools for reporting and maintenance records.
Success Metrics
High uptime across molding presses and automated cells.
On‑time, accurate preventive maintenance execution.
Rapid, safe recovery from breakdowns and alarms.
Notable reduction in repeat failures and scrap tied to equipment issues.
Consistent, complete maintenance records.
QualificationsMinimum
High school diploma or equivalent.
3+ years of industrial maintenance experience in manufacturing.
Experience supporting plastic injection molding in production.
Background troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Ability to read electrical schematics and work safely on industrial electrical systems.
Experience with automation, controls, or robotics in a plant setting.
Preferred
Senior‑level or journeyman maintenance background.
Formal training in electrical, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.
Exposure to 6‑axis robots, automated work cells, vision systems, bowl feeders, and PLC‑driven equipment.
Experience building or enhancing PM programs.
Hands‑on support for mold changes, molding startups, and process‑related troubleshooting.
OEM courses on robots, molding presses, automation, or related assets.
Work Schedule & Environment
Primarily day shift, Monday–Friday.
Occasional weekends, overtime, or off‑hours coverage as business needs arise.
Active plant floor setting with molding equipment, automation, moving machinery, electrical systems, noise, and heat.
Periodic domestic travel for training, vendor support, or equipment projects.
Physical Demands
Extended standing, walking, tool use, and repetitive motions, including bending, stooping, reaching, and crouching.
Periodic desk/computer work as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Visual acuity to read instructions, schematics, screens, labels, and meters, and to inspect components.
Manual dexterity for tools, test instruments, keyboards, and maintenance devices.
Safety First
Model safe maintenance practices, including lockout/tagout, during troubleshooting, repairs, mold changes, startups, and recoveries.
Report hazards, near misses, injuries, and unsafe conditions promptly and support corrective actions.
Proficiencies We Value
Mechanical troubleshooting
120/208/240/480 VAC systems
Electrical diagnostics and repair
General maintenance and repair methods
Industrial electrical experience and systems
Equipment diagnostics and fault isolation
Mechanical systems/component repair
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Tools & Technologies You’ll Use
Injection molding machines: Engel, Haitian
PLCs: Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi
Vision systems: Keyence
Other Requirements
Must be able to successfully complete pre‑employment screenings, including a background check, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
Bonus: Your Safety Credentials
Working knowledge of lockout/tagout and the discipline to apply safe maintenance methods in an industrial setting.
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As an Injection Molding Maintenance Specialist, you’ll be the go‑to expert keeping our plastic molding and automated systems safe, stable, and productive. Your work blends hands‑on troubleshooting with preventive care across molding presses, hot runner systems, thermolators, thermocouples, bowl feeders, 6‑axis robots, vision systems, cameras, and PLC‑driven automation.
A Day in the Role
Begin with a quick check of overnight logs and alarms, then prioritize any urgent equipment recoveries.
Jump into electrical and mechanical diagnostics—tracing sensors, motors, drives, relays, and wiring on control panels using schematics.
Support mold changes and startups, fine‑tuning equipment adjustments to ensure smooth launches and reliable output.
Partner with production, operations, and OEM vendors to coordinate repairs and source critical parts.
Execute scheduled preventive maintenance to eliminate repeat faults and extend equipment life.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Restore equipment quickly and safely after alarms, faults, and unplanned downtime.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls issues on molding machines and automated cells.
Diagnose PLC I/O, interlocks, field devices, and automation faults; support robot and vision system recoveries.
Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce recurring breakdowns and scrap.
Document work with precision—repairs, downtime causes, and corrective measures—so the team learns from every event.
Leadership Without Direct Reports
This position has no formal supervisory duties, but you will provide daily technical guidance to peers for safe practices, troubleshooting approaches, and minor repairs.
Decision‑Making Authority
Stop or shut down equipment for safety or to prevent damage.
Perform repairs within your training and scope; elevate significant issues or vendor needs.
Recommend spare parts, improvements, and outside technical support.
Support return‑to‑service decisions following maintenance and adjustments.
What You Bring
Deep familiarity with plastic injection molding equipment, processes, and tooling.
Hands‑on experience with automated manufacturing assets: 6‑axis robots, bowl feeders, vision/camera systems, and PLC automation.
Proven electrical troubleshooting on sensors, motors, drives, relays, and wiring; strong panel and schematic skills.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems used in industrial environments.
Comfort supporting mold changes, changeovers, startups, and equipment fine‑tuning.
Clear documentation habits and communication with production, leadership, vendors, and OEMs.
Competence with Microsoft Office or similar tools for reporting and maintenance records.
Success Metrics
High uptime across molding presses and automated cells.
On‑time, accurate preventive maintenance execution.
Rapid, safe recovery from breakdowns and alarms.
Notable reduction in repeat failures and scrap tied to equipment issues.
Consistent, complete maintenance records.
QualificationsMinimum
High school diploma or equivalent.
3+ years of industrial maintenance experience in manufacturing.
Experience supporting plastic injection molding in production.
Background troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Ability to read electrical schematics and work safely on industrial electrical systems.
Experience with automation, controls, or robotics in a plant setting.
Preferred
Senior‑level or journeyman maintenance background.
Formal training in electrical, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.
Exposure to 6‑axis robots, automated work cells, vision systems, bowl feeders, and PLC‑driven equipment.
Experience building or enhancing PM programs.
Hands‑on support for mold changes, molding startups, and process‑related troubleshooting.
OEM courses on robots, molding presses, automation, or related assets.
Work Schedule & Environment
Primarily day shift, Monday–Friday.
Occasional weekends, overtime, or off‑hours coverage as business needs arise.
Active plant floor setting with molding equipment, automation, moving machinery, electrical systems, noise, and heat.
Periodic domestic travel for training, vendor support, or equipment projects.
Physical Demands
Extended standing, walking, tool use, and repetitive motions, including bending, stooping, reaching, and crouching.
Periodic desk/computer work as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Visual acuity to read instructions, schematics, screens, labels, and meters, and to inspect components.
Manual dexterity for tools, test instruments, keyboards, and maintenance devices.
Safety First
Model safe maintenance practices, including lockout/tagout, during troubleshooting, repairs, mold changes, startups, and recoveries.
Report hazards, near misses, injuries, and unsafe conditions promptly and support corrective actions.
Proficiencies We Value
Mechanical troubleshooting
120/208/240/480 VAC systems
Electrical diagnostics and repair
General maintenance and repair methods
Industrial electrical experience and systems
Equipment diagnostics and fault isolation
Mechanical systems/component repair
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Tools & Technologies You’ll Use
Injection molding machines: Engel, Haitian
PLCs: Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi
Vision systems: Keyence
Other Requirements
Must be able to successfully complete pre‑employment screenings, including a background check, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
Bonus: Your Safety Credentials
Working knowledge of lockout/tagout and the discipline to apply safe maintenance methods in an industrial setting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr