Mold Process Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Be yourself at Protolabs  

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace.  So do you feel you do not meet every single requirement but still intrigued? We encourage you to still apply!  You can help make our company even better.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability, or any way you represent yourself.  We strongly believe diversity makes for more successful teams. 

Why Protolabs? 

We are the leaders in digital manufacturing.  We hire doers, makers, and creative thinkers who tackle our roles with an entrepreneurial spirit.  Our culture is centered around meaningful work that brings new and innovative products to market at unprecedented speeds.  We are a diverse team that comes from all walks of life and take pride in our team who is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do.  It’s our people who fuel our creativity and make our culture feel like home. 

Join our team as a Mold Process Tech!

Position Overview:

The Mold Process Technician is responsible for setting up and processing injection molding orders.  This position is available on the Week Shift.

Shift: 12a-6a Th, 6p-6a Fri-Sat, 6p-4a Sun

• 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.

• 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).

• 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)

• We offer a competitive salary
• In addition, we offer amazing benefits including but not limited to:
• Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (including employer contributions)
• Dental and Vision
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid caregiver leave
• You will receive 3 weeks of PTO, plus Holiday Pay and Volunteer Hours
• 401k with company match and immediate vest
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discounted rate
• Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
• And More!

Protolabs offers a competitive total rewards package, and compensation mix vary based on position, such as base wage, as well as other earnings including incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, job function, work experience, specialized skills, training, education, and certifications. 

Proto Labs maintains ITAR-compliant operations in all of our United States based facilities.  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.

Proto Labs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Physical Demands:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit; use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse, telephone and printer; reach with hands, and arms, talk, see and hear.  The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must be able to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. 

Work Environment:

Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in a manufacturing area exposed to machinery and noise; with eye protection and safety shoes required. Occasionally works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.