Pilot Plant Technician

3M; Minnesota; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is looking for a Pilot Plant Technician at the Maplewood Center in Minnesota. This role involves supporting the development of innovative technologies and processes, maintaining a safe work environment, and preparing experimental equipment.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least one year of manufacturing experience. Preferred qualifications include an associate degree and familiarity with extrusion or injection molding processes. Rotating shifts and potential domestic travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 1 year of manufacturing experience in a relevant field.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and in teams.
• Flexibility to handle change in work environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe working conditions and support technology development.
• Prepare and operate equipment, conduct quality testing.
• Document run conditions and produce reports.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or two‑year technical degree

Job description

Job Title

Pilot Plant Technician

Overview

Joining 3M as a Pilot Plant Technician provides an opportunity to transition your private, public, government, or military experience into an innovative career focused on developing technologies and processes.

Responsibility highlights

• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Support the development of technologies and processes.
• Prepare and operate experimental, prototype or production equipment, including general maintenance, setup, and changeover.
• Locate defects or problems during manufacturing, make equipment adjustments to correct issues.
• Perform quality testing, interpret results, adjust machinery to meet specifications.
• Maintain records of run conditions and quality test results, produce necessary reports.
• Participate and occasionally serve as team leader in various pilot plant teams.
• Work rotating shifts and overtime.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or higher (verified prior to start).
• One (1) year of manufacturing experience in a private, public, government, or military environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Associate or two‑year technical degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Experience with extrusion, film web handling, coating, non‑wovens, or injection molding processes/equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work with little supervision and well in a team environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Personal flexibility to handle change.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Work location

Maplewood Center

Travel

May include up to 5% domestic travel.

Shift & other work requirements

This position requires rotating shifts and overtime.

Employment eligibility

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B).

EEO Statement

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.