Plastic Fabricator Apprentice (Machine Shop/Manufacturing Background Preferred)
Position Summary
The Plastic Fabricator Apprentice supports the fabrication, assembly, and finishing of plastic components in a production environment. This entry-level role learns safe shop practices, how to read drawings and work orders, and how to produce parts that meet tolerance, fit, and finish requirements. Parts may be produced from common plastics such as PVC, HDPE, acrylic, polycarbonate, and similar materials. Prior exposure to a machine shop or manufacturing environment—including measuring tools, deburring/finishing, drill press/band saw, and assisting or observing CNC operations—is a plus.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Read, understand, and follow work orders, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine fabrication methods required to meet part tolerances, fit, and finish.
2. Fabricate, thermal bond, assemble, and finish plastic components to internal quality standards.
3. Safely use shop equipment and hand/power tools (e.g., saws, routers, drills, sanders, welders/thermal bonding tools) to produce parts to specification.
4. Identify, select, and handle common plastic materials (e.g., PVC, HDPE, acrylic, polycarbonate) and follow handling/labeling requirements.
5. Use measuring instruments (e.g., tape measure, calipers, micrometers, height gauge as applicable) to verify dimensions and record inspection results per the quality program.
6. Trim, drill, countersink, deburr, and finish parts using templates, fixtures, hand tools, and power tools.
7. Support basic machine shop-style operations as needed (e.g., drill press, band saw, belt sander, simple fixturing/part holding, and safe material handling).
8. Assist with CNC-related tasks under supervision (e.g., load/unload parts, observe setups, verify program revisions per work order, perform basic in-process checks, and support tool/fixture changeovers as trained).
9. Identify nonconforming conditions, communicate issues to the lead/supervisor, and participate in corrective actions.
10. Accurately track job labor, material usage, and other required production records.
11. Follow company procedures and maintain a safe, organized work area; contribute to equipment care, preventive maintenance, and shop cleanliness (5S).
12. Work cooperatively with team members; communicate constraints, ask questions, and support continuous improvement.
13. Perform miscellaneous tasks to support manufacturing, engineering, quality, and quoting activities as assigned.
Job Requirements, Skills, & Experience
• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree/certificate (manufacturing, machining, plastics, welding, etc.) preferred.
• 0–2 years of fabrication, manufacturing, plastics, or machine shop experience preferred (apprentice/entry-level candidates encouraged to apply).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and basic part specifications; familiarity with tolerances is a plus.
• Comfortable using measurement tools such as tape measures and calipers; micrometer/height gauge experience is a plus.
• Machine shop background preferred: deburring/finishing practices, drill press/band saw operation, basic fixturing, and safe tool setup.
• CNC exposure preferred (assisting/observing); experience loading/unloading parts and performing in-process checks under supervision is a plus.
• Experience working with plastics such as PVC, HDPE, acrylic, polycarbonate, and similar sheet/rod materials preferred.
• Working knowledge of shop safety practices, PPE, and safe operation of hand/power tools.
• Ability to follow written/verbal instructions, maintain accurate records, and ask questions when requirements are unclear.
• Strong attention to detail, workmanship, and quality; able to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive hand/arm motions. Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, and handle tools and materials. Must be able to lift and move materials/parts as required by the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Environment
Manufacturing/shop environment with exposure to noise, dust/particulate, and moving equipment. Role requires consistent use of required PPE and adherence to safety and quality procedures.
Requirements
MSR-FSR is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
COMPETENCIES:
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
- Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
- Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
- Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
- Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Promotes a cooperative Safety Team environment culture of mutual support.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Occasionally (less than 1/3 of the job)
- Frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the job)
- Continually (more than 2/3 of the job)
- Frequently required to stand.
- Frequently required to walk.
- Occasionally required to sit.
- Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
- Continually required to talk or hear.
- Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
- Occasionally required to push / pull objects with arms / hands / lower body for short/moderate/long periods of time.
- Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
- While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
- Continually wear Head / Face Protection: safety goggles/glasses, welding helmet, laser goggles. Hearing Protection: Earmuffs, ear plugs, canal caps.
- Continually wear Safety footwear: Over the ankle safety toe boots, Chemical resistant boots or overshoes, metatarsal protection.
- Frequently wear nitrile gloves
- The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 20 pounds, frequently lift, and/or move up to 30 pounds, and continually lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- 401K
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Training & Development
