Mold Process Technician SIGN ON BONUS (copy)

Protolabs; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental and Vision

401k with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Protolabs in Minnesota is seeking a Mold Process Technician to set up, monitor and optimize injection molding processes. You’ll work on high‑quality parts, troubleshoot issues, and help reduce cycle times while upholding safety and quality standards.

This role offers weekend night shifts with a $3.40/hour differential, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 2 year technical degree or tech certification in related field.
• Or 5 years of related experience.
• Experience adjusting parameters for defects in plastic injection molded parts.
• Knowledge of decoupled molding techniques and engineering resins.
• Able to operate forklift, hand tools and measuring devices.
• English literacy and basic arithmetic.

Responsibilities

• Set up and start molds using decoupled / scientific molding practices.
• Load material into the machine hopper.
• Inspect molds for correct setup and materials at the press.
• Set up UR robots including auto spray, clipper and grid placement.
• Develop machine operating parameters to process parts to specifications.
• Perform thorough part inspections and record cycle sheets.
• Record current and appropriate documentation in mold files.
• Ensure presses run correct cycle times and match documentation.
• Troubleshoot and correct molding problems; suggest corrective actions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, efficient work area and pursue continuous improvement.
• Adhere to quality and safety standards and company procedures.

Skills

Mold setup

Process optimization

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Education

2 year technical degree/ tech certification

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 Technician! SIGN ON BONUS $2000

As a Mold Process Technician at Protolabs, you’ll play a hands‑on role in bringing high‑quality parts to life through advanced injection molding. You’ll set up, monitor, and fine‑tune processes to ensure consistent, efficient production—using your technical expertise to troubleshoot challenges, improve cycle times, and reduce waste. In this dynamic, fast‑paced environment, your contributions will directly impact product quality, operational performance, and customer satisfaction, all while upholding strong safety and quality standards.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, continuous improvement, and working with cutting‑edge manufacturing technology.

Weekend Night Shift:

Thursday: 12a-6a

Friday and Saturday: 6p-6a

Sunday: 8p-6a

Shift differential $3.40/hour

What you will do

• Proficiently set up and start up molds using decoupled / scientific molding practices.
  
  
  
  • 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.


• Set‑up and start UR robots including auto spray, clipper and grid placement.

Sample molds:

• 
  
  
  
  • Develop machine operating parameters to process parts to specifications.
  
  
  • Perform thorough part inspections to ensure part specifications are met.
  
  
  • Accurately record process specifications onto cycle sheets.
  
  
  • Record current and appropriate documentation in mold files.
  
  
  
  

Production molds:

• 
  
  
  
  • Set‑up machine operating parameters from established cycle sheets.
  
  
  • Process parts to specifications per best practices and procedures.
  
  
  • Perform measurement of required dimensions.
  
  
  • Ensure presses are running correct cycle time and match what is documented.
  
  
  
  

• Request, evaluate and monitor mold modifications and repair through the rework system.


• Troubleshoot and correct problems related to mold cycling and mold function in the press.


• Suggest or perform corrective actions to correct quality problems.


• Investigate new materials and determine molding parameters.


• 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 quality and safety standards within the department.


• Adhere to all company policies and operational procedures.


• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

What it takes

• 2 year technical degree/ tech certification in related field, or 5 years of related experience.


• Experience adjusting process parameters to correct cosmetic and dimensional defects in plastic injection molded parts.


• Knowledge and application of decoupled molding techniques and engineering grade resins.


• Understanding of machine process control, and Molding technology.


• Processing of wide range of engineering resins.


• 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.


• Able to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented work environment.


• Must be punctual and have good attendance.

Bonus to have

• Previous experience in a plastics manufacturing environment, e.g., processing, setups.

What is in it for you?!

• 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 + Holiday Pay + Wellness Hours + 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!

$30.38 - $41 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 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 50+ 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.