Processing Specialist – Injection Moulding

Processing Specialist Engineer – Injection Moulding

Industry: Plastics Manufacturing
Shift: Straight Shift | Overtime paid when worked
Reporting to: Plant Manager

A leading plastics manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Processing Specialist – Injection Moulding to join their operation. This is a hands-on technical role focused on injection moulding, robotics, process optimisation, mould efficiency and production performance, with a strong emphasis on automation integration, advanced process control and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimise injection moulding processes, including setup, cycle-time improvements and process parameter optimisation.

• Manage and optimise moulds to maximise efficiency, performance and longevity.

• Optimise material handling and processing techniques to improve production efficiency and consistency.

• Conduct mould, material and process trials, including new tool trials and process validation.

• Lead complex mould changeovers, ensuring accurate setup, correct clamping and minimal downtime.

• Analyse and adjust processing parameters, including temperature, pressure and cooling, to improve product quality and cycle times.

• Conduct root cause analysis on processing defects and implement corrective actions to minimise scrap and improve consistency.

• Work closely with Maintenance on mould and machinery maintenance, preventive maintenance, equipment reliability and the mould maintenance programme.

• Ensure machinery and moulds are effectively maintained, serviced and stored.

• Troubleshoot injection moulding machinery, robotics and automation systems, attending to breakdowns and call-outs when required.

• Optimise robotic systems and automated production cells, including pick-and-place systems, conveyors and part-handling processes.

• Support the integration and troubleshooting of automation controls, PLCs and sensors to improve production efficiency.

• Work with Shift Teams, Team Leaders and Setters to optimise production performance, reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

• Develop and maintain standardised setup procedures and process documentation to ensure repeatability and consistent production quality.

• Train and develop machine setters, mentoring junior technical staff and promoting best practices.

• Support continuous improvement, R&D and quality initiatives, including cycle-time reduction, scrap minimisation and process reliability.

• Ensure the production of high-quality products in line with company standards, maintaining high standards of housekeeping, safety and compliance with relevant quality procedures.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12.

• Mechanical Engineering, BTech Mechanical / Artisan qualification.

• Mechanical background essential.

• Extensive experience in advanced plastics processing within an injection moulding environment.

• Injection moulding machine setting experience essential.

• In-Mould Labelling (IML) experience essential.

• Robotics experience essential.

• Strong knowledge of polymer technology, extruders and injection moulds.

• Experience in maintenance management, preventive maintenance and machinery troubleshooting.

• Strong technical understanding of mould changeovers, process parameters, cycle-time optimisation and root cause analysis.

• Practical exposure to automated manufacturing systems, robotic programming and integration, with knowledge of PLCs and automation controls.

• Experience with high-cavitation tooling and multi-material moulding would be advantageous.

• Sound knowledge of ISO procedures, quality standards and safe operating practices.

• Strong analytical, logical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to identifying and resolving technical issues.

• Proven ability to train, mentor and develop machine setters and other technical team members.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all organisational levels and work within a team environment.

• A positive, self-motivated and enthusiastic approach, with a strong focus on operational excellence, continuous improvement and service delivery.

• Willingness to work overtime when operationally required.

If you have strong hands-on injection moulding experience combined with IML, robotics, automation and mould optimisation expertise, we would like to hear from you. Send your application through to Mia Oosthuizen via the link!