Technical Intern

The Technical Intern role is designed for someone who wants hands-on exposure to manufacturing, injection molding, maintenance, tooling, and production support. This is an entry-level, learning-focused position that will involve a variety of foundational tasks across the plant, including mold cleaning, housekeeping, organizing tools and work areas, assisting technicians, and supporting day-to-day production needs.

This role is a good fit for someone who is mechanically inclined, willing to learn, and not afraid to roll up their sleeves. Much of the work will be basic but important — helping keep equipment, molds, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for production.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist technical, maintenance, tooling, and production teams with general support tasks.
• Clean molds, mold components, tools, and related equipment as directed.
• Help maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas through housekeeping and 5S activities.
• Assist with staging tools, supplies, and equipment for production or maintenance work.
• Support mold change preparation, teardown, cleanup, and organization.
• Learn basic injection molding, tooling, maintenance, and manufacturing processes through hands-on exposure.
• Shadow experienced technicians and team members to gain understanding of equipment, safety procedures, and plant operations.
• Help document basic information, checklists, or task completion as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and company policies.
• Perform other general plant support duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or current enrollment in a technical/trade program preferred.
• Interest in manufacturing, maintenance, tooling, injection molding, or mechanical work.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions.
• Comfortable performing hands-on work in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to safety, cleanliness, and detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• No prior manufacturing experience required, but any experience with tools, mechanical work, shop class, automotive, welding, machining, maintenance, or similar hands-on work is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and work on or around production equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with machinery, tools, noise, and required PPE.
• Ability to perform repetitive cleaning, organizing, and hands-on support tasks.

Schedule

Schedule may vary based on department needs and internship structure. This position may include day shift, night shift, or flexible scheduling depending on availability and business needs.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on exposure to injection molding and manufacturing operations.
• Opportunity to learn from experienced Process Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, Tooling team members, and production leadership.
• Basic understanding of molds, machines, tools, safety practices, and plant operations.
• A potential pathway into future technical roles such as Process Assistant, Process Technician, Maintenance Technician, Tooling/Mold Technician, or other manufacturing positions.

Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.