Technical Manufacturing Associate – Liquid Injection Molding (LIM)

The Technical Manufacturing Associate – Liquid Injection Molding (LIM) is responsible for both machine setup and production operation of LIM presses used to manufacture molded silicone components. This role is critical to scaling from prototype to production—ensuring consistent material processing, dimensional accuracy, and high-quality output.

You will work closely with production schedules, engineering specifications, and quality requirements to deliver reliable molded parts for demanding OEM applications.

Core Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Tooling

• Set up LIM presses according to production schedules and job requirements
• Install molds, verify alignment, and inspect tooling for wear or damage
• Connect and configure injection systems for liquid silicone rubber (LSR)

Process Parameter Control

• Adjust and monitor key process variables, including:
  • Temperature (often up to ~350°F curing environments)
  • Injection pressure
  • Cycle time and shot size
  • Material mix ratios (base + catalyst)
• Ensure equipment is fully operational before releasing jobs to production

Material Preparation & Handling

• Load and stage liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or elastomer systems
• Verify correct mix ratios, colorants, and material identification
• Monitor material flow and prevent contamination

Production Monitoring

• Start, monitor, and stop production runs
• Maintain consistent cycle efficiency and output rates
• Identify and resolve process variation in real time

Inspection & Secondary Operations

• Inspect molded components for:
  • Flash
  • Short shots
  • Voids or air entrapment
  • Surface defects
• Perform secondary operations such as:
  • Trimming or deflashing
  • Basic finishing steps

Quality Compliance

• Ensure parts meet:
  • Engineering drawings and specifications
  • Customer requirements
  • Internal AS9100 / ISO 9001 standards

Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve issues related to:
  • Mold performance
  • Material flow inconsistencies
  • Equipment malfunctions
• Communicate issues proactively to supervisors and engineering

Maintenance & Equipment Care

• Perform routine maintenance:
  • Cleaning machines and molds
  • Preventative maintenance checks
  • Monitoring equipment condition
• Maintain organized tooling, materials, and workspaces (5S standards)

Production & Data Tracking

• Record:
  • Production quantities
  • Scrap and yield
  • Downtime and process issues
• Follow all data entry procedures for:
  • Setup documentation
  • Material usage
  • Job completion

Work Instructions

• Read and interpret:
  • Blueprints and CAD drawings
  • Process sheets and job travelers
  • Work instructions and quality standards

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures related to:
  • Heated equipment (~350°F surfaces)
  • Press operation and injection systems
  • Chemical and material handling
• Use appropriate PPE at all times
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace aligned with 5S and OSHA standards

Requirements

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience in:
  • Liquid injection molding, rubber molding, or similar manufacturing processes (preferred)
  • CNC, press operation, or technical manufacturing roles (beneficial)

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of:
  • Mold setup and injection systems
  • Process parameters (temperature, pressure, curing)
• Functional math and measurement skills
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and documentation