Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Form Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Form Technician is responsible for producing, inspecting, and maintaining forms, molds, and related components used in manufacturing processes. This role ensures precision in fabrication, adherence to quality standards, and compliance with safety protocols while supporting process improvements and technical problem-solving.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Manufacturing Assistant
Production Operator
Technical Apprentice

Advancement To:

Senior Form Technician
Tooling Specialist
Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Technician
Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate form-making machinery and equipment with precision, following production specifications.
Inspect raw materials and finished forms for compliance with quality standards.
Maintain molds, dies, and forms, performing routine cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments.
Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications to fabricate accurate forms.
Conduct measurements and tests using calipers, micrometers, and other precision instruments.
Troubleshoot mechanical issues and make minor repairs on equipment and tooling.
Ensure production processes meet established tolerances and dimensional requirements.
Document production activities, including measurements, defects, and maintenance performed.
Collaborate with engineers and production teams to implement process improvements.
Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area to prevent accidents.
Assist in the development and setup of new forms and tooling for production runs.
Monitor equipment performance and report malfunctions to maintenance teams.
Participate in training sessions for new equipment, materials, or procedures.
Prepare and handle molds and forms for shipping or storage according to standards.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Maintain accurate records of inventory, tools, and production materials.
Coordinate with quality assurance teams to resolve non-conformances or defects.
Perform minor machining, cutting, or shaping tasks as required to meet specifications.
Assist in calibrating equipment to ensure accuracy and precision in production.
Provide technical guidance to junior staff or new operators on best practices and safety.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data collection and reporting for production metrics.
Contribute to the organization’s equipment maintenance and process optimization strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate production needs into technical solutions.
Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of form-making and molding machinery
Technical blueprint and schematic reading
Precision measurement techniques
Tooling and mold maintenance
Machining and fabrication skills
Quality control and inspection methods
Equipment troubleshooting and minor repair
Safety compliance and OSHA regulations
Material handling and storage
Production documentation and reporting

Soft Skills

Attention to detail and accuracy
Problem-solving and analytical thinking
Effective communication with technical teams
Time management and organization
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability to changing production requirements
Initiative in process improvement
Patience and dexterity in manual tasks
Responsibility and accountability
Continuous learning mindset

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:
Associate Degree or technical certification in manufacturing, machining, or industrial technology

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
2–5 years in form production, machining, or manufacturing operations

Preferred:
Experience with precision tooling, mold making, and quality control in a production environment