Thermoforming Prototype Technician

Join Our Team at Peninsula Plastics! Peninsula Plastics is seeking a skilled, dependable, and mechanically inclined Thermoforming Prototype Technician to join our manufacturing team! As a leader in the thermoforming industry, Peninsula Plastics specializes in manufacturing high-quality, reusable plastic packaging solutions.

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on technician who enjoys troubleshooting, problem-solving, and developing prototype parts that meet customer specifications and quality standards. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up and operating thermoforming equipment, adjusting process parameters, troubleshooting forming issues, and producing high-quality prototype parts.

You will also have opportunities to expand your skills by assisting with tooling development and occasional projects within our Pattern Shop. IMPORTANT: Previous hands-on thermoforming or vacuum-forming experience is required for this position. Candidates must have practical experience operating and adjusting forming equipment to be considered.

Position Details Position: Thermoforming Prototype Technician Shift: 1st Shift Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM Weekend Availability: Some weekends may be required based on production needs Compensation: $25.00–$28.00 per hour Primary Work Location: Auburn Hills, MI Secondary Work Location: Pontiac, MI, as needed Key Responsibilities Thermoforming Equipment Operation & Prototype Development Set up and operate vacuum-forming and thermoforming prototype equipment to produce sample parts that meet customer and engineering specifications.

Adjust heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure, timing, and plug-assist settings to achieve desired forming results. Produce, trim, finish, and evaluate prototype parts according to customer requirements and established quality standards. Monitor equipment performance and make necessary adjustments throughout the prototyping process.

Prepare and install tooling, fixtures, and other components required for prototype development. Troubleshooting & Quality Control Identify and troubleshoot forming defects, equipment issues, tooling concerns, and material-related problems. Inspect prototype parts for dimensional accuracy, appearance, and overall quality.

Make appropriate process adjustments to resolve defects and improve prototype results. Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure prototype parts meet customer expectations. Tooling, Fabrication & Pattern Shop Support Assist with developing, modifying, and preparing prototype tooling, plug assists, cooling fixtures, and related components.

Utilize woodworking and fabrication skills to build, modify, and finish prototype tooling and fixtures. Safely operate hand and power tools, including table saws, band saws, die grinders, and other shop equipment. Provide occasional support within the Pattern Shop on tooling and pattern-related projects. Participate in cross-training opportunities to expand technical skills and support overall operations.

Documentation, Safety & Continuous Improvement Accurately document machine settings, tooling configurations, process adjustments, troubleshooting steps, and prototype results. Maintain organized records of heating, cooling, pressure, timing, and other relevant forming parameters. Identify opportunities to improve prototype quality, equipment performance, and manufacturing efficiency.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following established safety procedures. Perform additional duties as assigned to support prototype development and Pattern Shop operations.

Qualifications

& Requirements Required Qualifications Previous hands-on experience operating thermoforming or vacuum-forming equipment is required. Strong understanding of thermoforming processes, including heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure, timing, and tooling adjustments. Experience setting up, adjusting, and troubleshooting thermoforming equipment.

Previous experience in a manufacturing, prototyping, tooling, or similar production environment. Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment and forming-process issues. Woodworking and fabrication skills, including experience building or modifying tooling, fixtures, patterns, or similar components.

Ability to safely operate hand and power tools, including table saws, band saws, die grinders, and other shop equipment. Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, work instructions, quality standards, and CAD drawings. Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality prototype parts.

Ability to accurately document machine settings, process adjustments, and prototype results. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineering, production, quality, and tooling teams. Willingness to cross-train and assist with Pattern Shop operations as needed. Additional Skills & Experience Experience developing or modifying prototype tooling and plug assists.

Familiarity with dimensional inspection and prototype quality evaluation. Experience working with engineering teams during new product development. Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and troubleshoot unique prototype challenges. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and work on your feet for 8–10 hour shifts.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, carry, and perform other physical tasks associated with manufacturing operations. Ability to safely operate manufacturing, woodworking, and prototype equipment. Ability to work in an industrial environment that may involve machinery, noise, dust, heat, and other typical manufacturing conditions.

Benefits

& Perks At Peninsula Plastics, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package designed to support their well-being and professional growth, including: Medical Insurance: Available after 60 days of employment. Dental Reimbursement Plan: Available after 60 days of employment. Vision & Life Insurance: Available after 60 days of employment, along with additional benefit options.

401(k) Retirement Plan: Company match of 50% on employee contributions up to 6%. Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, vacation time, and sick days. Career Advancement Opportunities: Opportunities for professional development, cross-training, and continued growth within the company. Why Join Peninsula Plastics? At Peninsula Plastics, you will have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a hands-on manufacturing environment while contributing to the development of new products and prototype solutions.

This position offers opportunities to: Work directly with thermoforming prototype equipment and processes. Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and tooling professionals. Expand your technical skills through cross-training and Pattern Shop projects. Contribute to innovative prototype development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Apply Today! If you are an experienced thermoforming professional with strong mechanical skills, a passion for problem-solving, and an interest in prototype development, we encourage you to apply! Please Note: Previous hands-on thermoforming or vacuum-forming experience is required. Applicants without this experience will not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Join Peninsula Plastics and put your thermoforming expertise to work in a challenging, hands-on role with opportunities for continued professional growth!