Sr Mold Process Technician

Join Our Team as a Mold Process TechThe 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.Shift: 12a-6a Th, 6p-6a Fri-Sat, 8p-6a SunWhat you will doProficiently 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 hopperInspect 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 machineryEnsure presses are running correct cycle time and match what is documentedAccurately record process specifications onto cycle sheets.Perform thorough part inspections and make appropriate decisions relative to part quality requirementsInvestigate new materials and determines molding parametersAble 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 productsCritique part designs for Design for Manufacturability and optimum molding performance, and communicate to appropriate personnelCritique tool designs for robust mechanical design and optimum molding performance, and communicate to appropriate personnelSupport area as "Injection Molding Subject Matter Expert", who thoroughly knows materials & the inner workings of injection molds & molding machinesSupport 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.What it takes4 year technical degree OR 8+ years equivalent experience in plastic injection molding at an Engineering level8+ 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 technologyAdvanced 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 MaintenanceCAD experience and Plastic flow analysis are a plus.Experience using and applying appropriate metrology to confirm design specifications are achieved.Exhibits leadership skills that are consistent with Protolabs' values; work ethics, technical knowledge, employee oriented.Stays current on best practice implementation/management and monitoringMust 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 Protolabs' objectives.Able to be licensed to operate material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, overhead crane hoist, etc.) 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.What is in it for youWe offer a competitive salaryIn addition, we offer amazing benefits including but not limited to:Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible planFlexible Spending AccountsHealth Savings Account (including employer contributions)Dental and VisionBasic and Supplemental Life InsuranceShort-Term and Long-Term DisabilityPaid caregiver leaveYou will receive 3 weeks of PTO, plus Holiday Pay and Volunteer Hours401k with company match and immediate vestEmployee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discounted rateMatching grants through Protolabs foundationAnd More!$33.17 - $41.01 an hour 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 EmployerPhysical 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.