Process Technician - Plastics

Le Sueur•Le Sueur, MN

About The Position

The Process Technician sets up, optimizes, and maintains injection molding processes to support consistent product quality, safe operation, and efficient production. The role focuses on process control, troubleshooting, mold setup, and continuous improvement in an injection molding environment. The technician sets up and starts injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment, establishes and adjusts process parameters, performs mold changes and machine start-ups and shutdowns, and monitors production cycles and product quality. The position also troubleshoots machine, mold, material, and process issues; documents process changes; performs in-process inspections; and supports quality investigations and corrective actions. The role provides technical guidance and training to operators, assists supervisors with daily production coordination, and helps keep workstations safe, clean, and organized. The technician identifies and participates in opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and scrap, and implement new molds, materials, and production processes. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 2 years of experience as a Process Technician in injection molding.
Strong understanding of injection molding processes, tooling, and plastic materials.
Ability to read and interpret process sheets, blueprints, and work instructions.
Experience using measurement and inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to lift and move products and materials up to 55 pounds.
Ability to push or pull 100 pounds.
Ability to walk, sit, or stand for up to 12 hours with intermittent breaks.
Ability to reach forward and overhead, lift, carry, crouch, bend, power grip, and turn the wrist.
Ability to see, inspect, and evaluate product quality.
Ability to read and understand written work instructions in English.
Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment, including hot and humid conditions.
Ability to walk up and down steps and climb ladders and stairs of varying heights.
Ability to wear task-based personal protective equipment, including protective footwear, hearing protection, protective eyewear, and gloves.

Nice To Haves

Technical training or certification.
Familiarity with robotics, automation, and auxiliary equipment such as dryers, chillers, and loaders.

Responsibilities

Set up and start injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment for production runs.
Establish and adjust process parameters to maintain product quality and machine performance.
Perform mold changes, machine start-ups, and shutdown procedures.
Monitor machine cycles, process stability, and product quality during production.
Optimize molding processes to improve efficiency, reduce scrap, and increase productivity.
Troubleshoot molding issues related to machines, molds, materials, and process conditions, and correct product defects.
Work with maintenance personnel to resolve equipment problems and minimize downtime.
Document process changes and maintain accurate production and process records.
Verify products meet customer specifications and quality standards; perform in-process inspections and monitor consistency.
Ensure finished products are properly packaged and labeled.
Support quality investigations and corrective action processes when defects occur.
Provide technical guidance to machine operators and production staff.
Train operators on proper machine operation, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
Assist supervisors in coordinating daily production activities.
Keep workstations safe, clean, and organized according to company policies.
Identify process improvements and participate in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and process optimization initiatives.
Assist in implementing new molds, materials, and production processes.

Benefits

Generous medical and dental insurance plan.
80–84 hours of paid holidays.
Flexible PTO/UTO policy.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid short-term disability.
Employee assistance plan.
Career advancement opportunities.
Education reimbursement program.
Recognition and awards.
Employee events, including fishing contests, Christmas turkeys, potlucks, and appreciation meals.