Injection Moulding Technician
- Location: Essex
- Salary: c£42,000
- Shifts: 3 shifts ideally but all shifts considered
5S Recruitment are working with a well-established and growing plastics manufacturer to recruit an experienced Injection Moulding Technician. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled process specialist to join a busy manufacturing environment where technical expertise, continuous improvement, and production excellence are highly valued. The successful candidate will play a key role in optimising moulding processes, supporting production performance, reducing scrap, and ensuring products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. This is a hands-on technical position suited to an experienced Injection Moulding Technician, Process Technician, Process Setter, Senior Setter, or Moulding Specialist looking to further develop their career.
The Role
As Injection Moulding Technician, you will be responsible for the technical performance of the moulding department, ensuring machines, tooling, and processes operate at optimum efficiency whilst maintaining quality and productivity targets.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out machine start-ups, process setting, optimisation, and shut-down procedures.
- Develop and maintain robust moulding processes to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
- Monitor and improve cycle times, machine utilisation, OEE, and production performance.
- Troubleshoot moulding defects and process issues, implementing permanent corrective actions.
- Support new tool trials, product launches, and process validation activities.
- Conduct mould changes and assist with tooling installation and commissioning.
- Work closely with Production, Toolroom, Quality, and Engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
- Ensure all process documentation, setup sheets, and work instructions remain accurate and up to date.
- Analyse scrap and downtime data, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Assist in maintaining process control standards and ensuring products are manufactured right first time.
- Support root cause investigations using structured problem-solving techniques such as 5 Why, Fishbone, and 8D methodologies.
- Provide technical guidance and support to Setters, Operators, and Production personnel.
- Assist with training and development of production staff on process best practice.
- Support preventative maintenance activities and identify equipment improvement opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental procedures.
About You
- We are seeking a technically strong Injection Moulding professional with a passion for process optimisation and continuous improvement.
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience within an Injection Moulding Technician, Process Technician, Senior Setter, Process Engineer, or equivalent role.
- Strong understanding of scientific moulding principles and process optimisation techniques.
- Experience setting and optimising injection moulding machines across a variety of materials.
- Knowledge of engineering polymers, commodity materials, and processing parameters.
- Experience conducting mould trials, process validation, and capability improvements.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve moulding defects and machine-related issues.
- Strong understanding of tooling, hot runner systems, auxiliary equipment, and automation.
- Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Good understanding of quality systems and process control methodologies.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across multiple departments.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency, waste reduction, and quality enhancement.
Desirable Experience
- Scientific Moulding training or equivalent qualification.
- Experience with automation, robotics, and ancillary equipment.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Exposure to automotive, medical, technical, packaging, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, GMP, or similar quality standards.
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Company pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Stable and growing manufacturing business.
- Opportunity to make a genuine impact within a technically focused moulding operation.
- Supportive team environment with long-term career progression prospects.
About 5S Recruitment Limited
5S Recruitment Limited specialises exclusively in Plastics, Packaging, Manufacturing, Engineering and Technical recruitment. With over 16 years of industry experience, we take a quality-over-quantity approach, providing carefully selected candidates who match both the technical requirements and culture of our clients. As a one-man-band recruitment business, every assignment receives a personal, professional, and highly targeted approach.