First Article Molder

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated • San Diego, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The First Article Molder is responsible for the setup, validation, and execution of first article and prototype molding builds using transfer, injection, and dispensing equipment for polyurethane, neoprene, epoxy, and similar materials. This role is critical to ensuring that molding processes are properly established, verified, and repeatable prior to production release. The operator is expected to take ownership of mold setup accuracy, process parameters, material handling, and part quality, while proactively identifying and resolving issues during initial builds. This position requires a strong balance of hands-on equipment operation, technical troubleshooting, and attention to detail to ensure successful first-pass quality.

Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years production experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experienced molding with materials such as Polyurethane, neoprene, epoxy, and EPDM preferred.
• Knowledge of material behavior and its impact on molding outcomes.
• Ability to read and interpret production drawings, process sheets, and work instructions.
• Experience with identifying defects and performing quality inspections.
• Must be able to see colors for the wiring sequences of the connectors, and possess good vision (corrected vision is acceptable) to perform visual inspection of product quality and to identify defects.
• Capable of standing for a minimum of 8-hour shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull 10-20 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language at a level that allows for the comprehension of detailed instructions and the legible completion of paperwork.
• Ability to assess condition of mold tooling, make recommendations for maintenance/cleaning, and improvements
• Experience to select the correct mold for the shop order requirement
• Experience to understand and adjust all equipment controls and settings per requirements
• Knowledge to assess good parts from bad prior to moving to the next operation
• Proficient at multi-tasking and prioritizing workflow.
• Must have good manual dexterity to effectively use basic tools and equipment.
• Must be able to work overtime during the week and Saturday.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Candidate must possess U.S. citizenship or be a "U.S. Person". (A U.S. Person is defined as a person who is a lawful permanent resident “Green Card holder” as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101 (a)(20) or who is a ”Protected Individual” as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)

Nice To Haves

• Experienced molding with materials such as Polyurethane, neoprene, epoxy, and EPDM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete setups for first article and prototype molding jobs, including mold selection, fixture preparation, and machine configuration.
• Establish and verify process parameters (temperature, pressure, cure times, etc.) to meet product specifications.
• Run initial cycles and evaluate results to confirm process capability and repeatability.
• Identify any setup or process gaps and make real-time adjustments to achieve acceptable results.
• Safely operate molding equipment including injection, transfer, and dispensing machines.
• Load materials, operate press controls, and monitor cycles to ensure proper curing and formation of parts.
• Remove molded components and perform necessary trimming, handling, or staging for next operations.
• Maintain active engagement in production while ensuring strict adherence to first article requirements.
• Handle and prepare polyurethane, epoxy, neoprene, and similar materials in accordance with specifications.
• Monitor material condition (pot life, expiration, mix consistency) and ensure proper use.
• Detect and report defective, expired, or non-conforming materials prior to use.
• Perform detailed in-process inspections of molded components during first article runs.
• Verify parts meet dimensional, visual, and functional criteria prior to release.
• Distinguish acceptable vs. non-conforming parts and stop/adjust process as needed.
• Complete required first article documentation, inspection records, and deviation reports accurately.
• Proactively identify molding defects such as voids, flash, cure issues, surface defects, or incomplete fills.
• Troubleshoot issues related to tooling, materials, or machine parameters.
• Make controlled adjustments to process settings to resolve issues and improve outcomes.
• Escalate issues when needed, but demonstrate ownership in problem-solving first.
• Inspect molds, tooling, and fixtures prior to setups to ensure readiness.
• Identify wear, damage, or cleanliness issues impacting part quality.
• Coordinate cleaning, maintenance, or repair needs with appropriate teams.
• Maintain equipment and workspace in accordance with 6S standards.
• Accurately complete shop orders, labor tracking, process records, and quality documentation.
• Record process changes, deviations, and observations during first article builds.
• Communicate clearly with leads, supervisors, and engineering teams regarding build status and issues.
• Follow all safety procedures, particularly when working with heated equipment, pressurized systems, and chemical materials.
• Ensure compliance with all quality standards and company policies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Benefits

• Teledyne conducts background checks on qualified applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, education verification, employment history and verification, criminal convictions, Motor Vehicle Report (MVR & driving history), reference check, credit checks/credit history and drug testing. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
• Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.
• Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED