Mold Process Technician

Protolabs•Rosemount, MN

17d•$30 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Mold Process Technician is responsible for setting up and processing injection molding orders. This position is available on the Weekday Night shift. Specific duties include: Retrieve prepared aluminum molds and installs into injection molding press. Secure mold to platen and sets up appropriate mold heating and cooling. Loads material into the machine hopper Production molds: Set-up machine operating parameters from established cycle sheets. Process parts to specifications. Visually inspect parts for surface and dimensional defects. Record process specifications onto cycle sheets. Remove molds from the press and stage for disassembly. Troubleshoot and correct process problems at the press. Purge barrel of leftover materials at the conclusion of an order. 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. Adhere to all company policies and operational procedures. Perform additional tasks as assigned. Proto Labs is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Women, Veterans & Disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Technical certificate or vocational training in injection molding or plastics technology preferred.
2+ years hands-on experience in injection molding operation and mold setup (or equivalent mechanical experience).
Practical knowledge of molding process variables (temperature, pressure, melt, cooling, cycle time), and ability to read part prints and basic GD&T.
Experience with basic measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) and familiarity with SPC concepts.
Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and work in noisy/industrial environments; able to climb ladders and work at heights as required.
Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.
Experience with mold maintenance, mold tooling repairs and preventive maintenance procedures.
Familiarity with hot runner systems, hydraulic or electric molding presses, and molding simulation/setting software.
Experience in a rapid-turn or high-mix manufacturing environment.
Certifications: Injection Molding Technician, OSHA, forklift, or other safety certifications.
Basic PLC/robot programming experience or experience interfacing with automation.
Prior exposure to ISO 9001 or TS/ISO quality systems and formal continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).

Nice To Haves

Certifications: RJG, Paulson, or equivalent scientific molding training.
Experience with cavity pressure monitoring and data-driven process control.
Familiarity with quick-change/SMED methods and mold PM best practices.
Experience with IQMS/NetSuite/SAP or similar ERP/MES.
Experience with secondary operations (ultrasonic welding, pad printing, assembly)

Responsibilities

Retrieve prepared aluminum molds and installs into injection molding press.
Secure mold to platen and sets up appropriate mold heating and cooling.
Loads material into the machine hopper
Production molds: Set-up machine operating parameters from established cycle sheets.
Process parts to specifications.
Visually inspect parts for surface and dimensional defects.
Record process specifications onto cycle sheets.
Remove molds from the press and stage for disassembly.
Troubleshoot and correct process problems at the press.
Purge barrel of leftover materials at the conclusion of an order.
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.
Adhere to all company policies and operational procedures.
Perform additional tasks as assigned.