Mold Prep technician

Mold Preparation Technician

Department: Manufacturing / Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Mold Prep Lead
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

We are looking for a Mold Preparation Technician to prepare composite molds for production. This position is responsible for ensuring molds are clean, properly conditioned, inspected, and ready for the next production cycle.

The Mold Prep Technician plays a critical role in product quality. Proper mold preparation directly affects part release, surface finish, dimensional consistency, and the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process.

This is a hands-on manufacturing position for someone who takes pride in doing work correctly, pays close attention to detail, and understands that quality starts before the first layer of material is applied.

Key Responsibilities

• Thoroughly clean molds after production using approved cleaning methods and materials.
• Remove residual resin, adhesive, fiberglass, release film, and other contaminants without damaging mold surfaces.
• Inspect mold surfaces for defects, damage, contamination, buildup, or areas requiring repair or maintenance.
• Prepare mold surfaces for application of approved mold release systems.
• Apply mold sealers, release agents, and other approved mold-preparation products according to established work instructions.
• Maintain consistent release-agent coverage and application thickness.
• Ensure molds are properly cured, conditioned, and ready for production.
• Perform visual and tactile inspections of mold surfaces before releasing molds to production.
• Identify mold damage or abnormalities and communicate them to the appropriate supervisor.
• Protect mold surfaces, tooling, and surrounding equipment from damage during preparation.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.
• Properly handle and dispose of chemicals, solvents, contaminated materials, and production waste.
• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, chemical handling procedures, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Accurately complete required production and mold-preparation documentation.
• Work closely with the skinning, layup, and production teams to ensure molds are available when needed.
• Maintain production pace while meeting established quality standards.
• Assist with additional manufacturing tasks as needed.

Quality Expectations

The Mold Preparation Technician is expected to understand that mold preparation is a quality-critical operation.

The successful candidate will:

• Never knowingly pass a contaminated or improperly prepared mold to production.
• Recognize surface imperfections that could transfer to finished parts.
• Follow established procedures rather than taking shortcuts.
• Maintain consistent preparation from mold to mold and shift to shift.
• Stop and ask questions when a mold or process does not meet requirements.
• Take ownership of the condition of every mold released to production.

Required Qualifications

• Manufacturing, composites, fiberglass, automotive bodywork, painting, detailing, or similar hands-on experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining production expectations.
• Ability to safely work with solvents, mold-release products, and other manufacturing chemicals.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, bend, kneel, reach, and stand for extended periods.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to learn composite manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous composite manufacturing experience.
• Experience working with molds, tooling, plugs, or composite production equipment.
• Experience applying mold sealer or release agents.
• Experience with chemical handling and SDS requirements.
• Experience identifying surface defects and tooling damage.
• Previous experience in a production manufacturing environment.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

Detail-oriented. You notice the things other people miss.

Consistent. You can perform the same process correctly every time.

Mechanically inclined. You understand tools, materials, surfaces, and how things work.

Accountable. If something isn't right, you speak up rather than passing the problem downstream.

Production-minded. You understand that quality and production speed have to work together.

Team-oriented. Your work directly affects the people who come after you.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, kneel, squat, reach, and work in various positions.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Lift and move production materials and equipment.
• Work around composite materials, resins, solvents, and other manufacturing chemicals.
• Wear required PPE, including respiratory protection when required.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, odors, and temperature variations.

Safety

Safety is a condition of employment. Employees are expected to follow all company safety procedures, PPE requirements, chemical handling requirements, and established manufacturing processes.

Employees must immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged tooling, chemical spills, or other hazards to supervision.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Mold availability for scheduled production.
• Mold preparation quality.
• Consistency of mold release application.
• Reduction of mold-related production defects.
• Proper completion of preparation documentation.
• Proper care and maintenance of tooling.
• Productivity and adherence to established production schedules.
• Safety and housekeeping.
• Reliability and attendance.

The Right Fit

This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys hands-on manufacturing, takes pride in clean and precise work, and wants to develop into a skilled composite manufacturing professional.

The right person will understand that the quality of the finished part starts with the condition of the mold.

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person