Injection Moulding Machine Operator

We have an exciting opportunity to work for a nationally recognised energy business, considered to be the leader in its field. Pay rates from £14 per hour depending on shifts. The role of Injection Moulding Machine Operator is based in Hook.

We are looking for a skilled and proactive Injection Moulding Machine Operator to join our team and manage our production machinery and ensure high-quality output. The primary focus of this role is setting up, operating, and troubleshooting standard horizontal injection moulding systems. The ideal candidate will also have some exposure to Vertical Injection Moulding setups for occasional insert or over-moulding production runs.
We need a technically sound operator who doesn’t just watch a machine run you should thoroughly understand different mould types and gating systems, and possess the critical thinking skills required to troubleshoot defects right on the shop floor.

Shifts for Injection Moulding Machine Operator:

• Monday to Friday
• 9am to 5pm

Pay for Injection Moulding Machine Operator:

• From £14.00 per hour
• Paid weekly

Key Responsibilities of Injection Moulding Machine Operator:

• Machine Operation & Setup: Set up, dial in, and operate horizontal injection moulding machines. Assist with occasional setup and running of vertical injection moulding machines as required by production schedules.
• Troubleshooting: Monitor production cycles and rapidly diagnose and correct moulding defects (e.g., flash, short shots, sink marks, splay, or warping) by adjusting process parameters such as temperature, injection speed, pressure, and hold time.
• Mould Handling & Installation: Safely load, hoist, and clamp various moulds into the machines. Properly connect cooling lines (water / oil), core pulls, and pneumatic systems.
• Process Monitoring: Continuously track machine cycles, barrel temperatures, and hydraulic pressures to maintain consistent quality and reduce scrap rates.
• Quality Inspection: Perform routine visual and dimensional checks on finished parts using calipers, micrometers, and gauges against engineering blueprints.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate shift logs, production records, and defect reports as per standard operating procedures.
• Safety & Housekeeping: Adhere to all plant safety protocols, PPE requirements, and 5S standards in the
  work area.

Technical Knowledge and Requirements:

1. Tooling & Gating Systems
A strong mechanical understanding of how plastic enters, flows through, and exits a tool is essential:
* Mould Configurations: Working knowledge of Two-Plate moulds, Three-Plate moulds (with automatic degating),
and Hot Runner systems.
* Gating Systems: Understanding how different gate designs – such as Edge gates, Submarine (Tunnel)
gates, Pin gates, and Fan gates – affect material flow, cosmetic finishes, and part stresses.
2. Machine & Process Exposure
* Primary: Deep understanding of conventional horizontal injection moulding processes and parameters.
* Secondary: Working knowledge of Vertical Injection Moulding machines (e.g., shuttle beds or rotary tables)
for insert moulding or over-moulding applications.
* Materials: Familiarity with processing a variety of engineering thermoplastics (e.g., PP, ABS, PC, Nylon,
Delrin).

Qualifications and Experience:

* Experience: 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience as an injection moulding operator. Prior experience must
include active troubleshooting and mould setting.
* Education: ITI diploma in Mechanical / Plastics Technology, CIPET certification, or equivalent practical
trade experience.
* Problem-Solving: Ability to analyse a defective part and logically adjust machine settings to fix the root
cause.
* Physical Requirements: Able to stand for full shift, lift up to 15 kg, and work in a manufacturing
environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidates to begin a career with a company that offers genuine long-term opportunities and career development.

This job will suit any candidate with experience in this field.