Senior Mold Process Technician

Protolabs•Rosemount, MN

11d•$33 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

This is an ONSITE role based in Rosemount, MN. The Senior Mold Process Technician develops, validates and optimizes molding processes to produce high-quality parts efficiently and consistently. This role leads mold setup, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities, mentors junior technicians, and works closely with engineering to improve part quality, cycle time, and uptime.

Requirements

4 year technical degree OR 8+ years equivalent experience in plastic injection molding at an Engineering level
8+ years of experience as an Injection Mold Technician or Mold Process Technician.
Must have an in depth understanding of machine process control, Mold Design, and Molding technology
Advanced knowledge and application of all aspects of decoupled molding techniques and engineering grade resins. RJG or Paulsen Training is a plus.
Advanced knowledge of injection molding machines.
Working knowledge of Mold Design, operation and Maintenance
Experience using and applying appropriate metrology to confirm design specifications are achieved.
Exhibits leadership skills that are consistent with Protolabsâ€™ values; work ethics, technical knowledge, employee oriented.
Stays current on best practice implementation/management and monitoring
Must be able to interact with employees, customers and vendors in a cooperative, respectful and professional manner.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Demonstrated passion about reducing cycle times, improving part quality and machine utilization in line with Protolabsâ€™ objectives.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Able to be licensed to operate material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, overhead crane hoist, etc.) â€“ we will train.
Able to safely operate hand held and stationary power tools.
Able to work safely with sharp and heavy objects (e.g., utility knives, aluminum blocks).
Able to use measuring instruments such as scales, calipers, dial indicators.
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.
Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status. Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role.

Nice To Haves

RJG or Paulsen Training is a plus.
CAD experience and Plastic flow analysis are a plus.

Responsibilities

Proficiently set up and start up molds using decoupled/ scientific molding practices.
Retrieve prepared aluminum molds and installs into injection molding press.
Secure mold to platen and sets up appropriate mold heating and cooling.
Load material into the machine hopper
Inspect molds for correct set up and check to ensure proper materials are at the press prior to start.
Troubleshoot and diagnose problems related to mold cycling and mold function in the press.
Develop, optimize (incorporating design of experiments), stabilize and troubleshoot complex injection molding processes using a wide variety of engineered and commodity type resins on a wide range of injection molding machinery
Ensure presses are running correct cycle time and match what is documented
Accurately record process specifications onto cycle sheets.
Perform thorough part inspections and make appropriate decisions relative to part quality requirements
Investigate new materials and determines molding parameters
Able to calculate specific material shrink.
Request, evaluate and monitor mold modifications and repair through the rework system.
Investigate Non-Conformances and determine corrective action(s) to ensure successful molding of acceptable parts.
Collaborate with engineering department to enhance and debug processes, tooling, and new products
Critique part designs for Design for Manufacturability and optimum molding performance, and communicate to appropriate personnel
Critique tool designs for robust mechanical design and optimum molding performance, and communicate to appropriate personnel
Support area as "Injection Molding Subject Matter Expert", who thoroughly knows materials & the inner workings of injection molds & molding machines
Support daily production by identifying solutions for chronic issues and problems that cannot be resolved by production associates.
Mentor and train Associate Mold Process Technicians and Mold Process Technicians on the latest problem solving, set-up and processing techniques.
Train set up technicians and Material Handlers as assigned to insure that the set-ups being performed are done properly, in a safe manner, as well as a timely manner.
Build communication relationships with Build, milling, CQRs, CSEs and Supervisors.
Meet with the Shift Supervisor and other Process Technicians to discuss any and all issues relating to the shop floor.
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.