Senior Injection Moulding Technician Location: South Leicestershire (commutable from Leicester, Rugby, Hinckley and Market Harborough) Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 + [benefits] Hours: Days Type: Permanent The role Xia Engineering is recruiting a Senior Injection Moulding Technician for an established plastics manufacturer in South Leicestershire. This isn’t a role running the same tool for weeks at a time. The work is small-batch and varied, with lots of T0 trials on new tools, plus a large amount of insert moulding and overmoulding. You’ll report to the Mould Shop Supervisor and be the go-to technical person on the shop floor. You’ll get new tools from first shot to a stable, validated process, handle frequent changeovers and keep quality right on short runs where there’s little room to fine-tune. This day-shift role suits a technician who likes variety and a technical challenge, and who gets satisfaction from proving out a new tool. What you’ll be doing * Running T0 trials and mould sampling on new tools, developing robust processes and supporting process validation * Setting up insert moulding and overmoulding jobs, including insert loading, positioning, and checks on bonding and encapsulation * Making frequent tool and material changes on small-batch work, setting machines from zero to spec quickly and accurately * Checking that material, masterbatch and inserts match each job, and using the correct jigs, fixtures and auxiliary equipment * Carrying out first-off inspections and getting approval before production starts * Leading troubleshooting on moulding defects and process problems, and optimising cycle times without affecting quality * Finding and fixing material feed and drying issues * Working closely with QC and Toolmakers on tool modifications, trial feedback and recurring problems * Responding to machine alarms, finding the root cause and doing basic maintenance (oil, water flow, heater bands, air lines, filters, O-rings, sensors, hoses) * Reporting cycle time and scrap variances, and keeping the work cell safe, clean and organised What you’ll need * At least 5 years’ experience setting and processing on injection moulding machines * Hands-on experience of tool trials and sampling, from T0 through to process sign-off * Experience of insert moulding and/or overmoulding * Comfort with high-mix, low-volume work and frequent changeovers * Strong process knowledge and a methodical approach to troubleshooting defects * Close attention to detail and a solid awareness of health and safety Nice to have * Experience on Engel, Arburg or Sumitomo machines * Experience with robotic handling or automation in moulding * Knowledge of ISO 9001 or similar quality systems * Scientific moulding or formal plastics processing training What’s on offer * £35,000 – £45,000, depending on experience * Days, so no shifts or nights, although flexibility will be required. * Varied, technically interesting work rather than repetitive production