Mold & Automation Technician

Protolabs•Rosemount, MN

8d•$31 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Technician is responsible for contributing to efforts aimed at developing and implementing optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. Provide guidance to improve proficiency in automation.

Requirements

Minimum 2-year technical degree or 4 years of equivalent experience in molding.
1 year experience in automation implementation experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills: able to communicate complex technical information to all levels of the organization, able to clearly present data in written and verbal form.
Exhibit leadership skills that are consistent with Protolabs values – strong work ethics, technical knowledge, and employee oriented.
Able to safely operate handheld and stationary power tools.
Able to understand electrical-pneumatic components and schematics
Able to understand ladder logic and or robotic programming language
Able to use measuring instruments such as scales, calipers, dial indicators.
Demonstrated ability to reduce cycle times, improving part quality and machine utilization in line with Protolabs objectives.
Able to perform basic fabrication and assembly
Able to work safely with sharp and heavy objects (e.g., utility knives, aluminum blocks).
Able to use a computer and calculator. Able to read and write in English and do basic arithmetic.
Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment.
Must be punctual and have good attendance.
In the subjective judgment of managers, supervisors, and master molders, the candidate must possess the temperament and depth and range of skills necessary to be successful in this position.
Strong attention to detail and experience with managing project documents and producing quality content.
Must be able to take initiative and work independently.
Self-motivated and self-directed with high sense of urgency
Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment.
Strong time management skills with the ability to successfully perform within a project framework including defined deliverables and time frames.
Concurrently solve immediate issues while maintaining a vision of the future

Responsibilities

Be a member of cross-disciplinary teams developing and improving manufacturing automation processes. Identify opportunities for cost saving or expanded automation capabilities.
Help develop automation concepts and apply analytical techniques to support decision processes.
Initiate, design, and develop automation strategies for new processes.
Troubleshoot production problems in terms of automation as needed. Identify automation bottlenecks and quality issues. Identify potential design improvements and alternatives in terms of press/manufacturing automation.
Collaborate with engineering department and automation team to enhance and debug processes, tooling, and new products.
Support area as "Automation Molding Subject Matter Expert", who thoroughly knows equipment and processes as it relates to automation.
Mentor and train Associate Mold Process Technicians and Mold Process Technicians on automation set-up, trouble shooting and creative automation solutions.
Flexibility to change schedule hours and support off shift for automation evaluations and training mold techs
Help to design and implement ergonomics solutions as part of the automation process
Meet with the Shift Supervisor and other Process Technicians to discuss all issues relating to automation on the shop floor.
Ensure presses are running correct cycle time and match what is documented.
Perform thorough part inspections and make appropriate decisions relative to part quality requirements.
Request, evaluate and monitor mold modifications and repair through the rework system.
Build communication relationships with Build, Designers, Engineers, CSEs and Supervisors.
In relation to Automation, ensure mold is set properly and document set-up
Accurately record process specifications onto cycle sheets.
Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.
Maintain clean and organized work area with emphasis on safety, quality, efficiency, and utilization.
Continually seek to improve work processes and individual performance.
Develop, optimize (incorporating design of experiments), stabilize, and troubleshoot injection molding processes using a wide variety of engineered and commodity type resins on a wide range of injection molding machinery.