Process Development Technician

GCS Recruitment; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment seeks a hands-on Process Technician to support prototype manufacturing and process development in a development-focused environment. You will operate pilot-line equipment, collect critical data, and troubleshoot issues to influence future equipment designs and processes.

You will collaborate with engineers to drive process optimization, perform metrology checks, and maintain audit-ready documentation throughout development activities onsite.

Qualifications

• Hands-on technician or engineer in manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Experience operating and monitoring prototype or production equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience collecting and documenting data from testing and manufacturing.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and documentation.
• Strong communication and collaboration with engineers.
• Onsite work in a development environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor pilot-line equipment during development and qualification.
• Collect, document, and report process data to support analysis.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automated equipment issues; perform preventive maintenance.
• Assist with equipment builds, system integration, and testing of components.
• Perform precision inspections using metrology tools and test equipment.
• Support process validation and equipment qualification with audit-ready documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify process improvements.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions.

Skills

Process development

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Mechanical skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Documentation

Team collaboration

Onsite work

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Vision systems

CMMs

Optical comparators

Job description

The Opportunity

Our client is a leading advanced manufacturing organization developing next-generation products and production technologies across high-growth industries including electronics, medical devices, precision hardware, automation, and other engineered products.

At their facility, an in-house engineering team designs, builds, and supports custom manufacturing and test systems used to develop new products and processes. A new production process is currently being established in a pilot manufacturing environment, and they are seeking a hands‑on Process Technician to play a key role in supporting process development, equipment qualification, and manufacturing readiness activities.

This is a development‑focused position rather than a traditional production role. You will work closely with engineers to operate prototype equipment, collect critical process data, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide feedback that directly influences future equipment designs and manufacturing processes.

What You'll Do

• Set up, operate, and monitor pilot‑line, prototype, and development‑stage manufacturing equipment during process development and qualification activities.
• Collect, document, and report process, performance, and product quality data to support engineering analysis and decision‑making.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automated equipment issues; perform adjustments and preventive maintenance as needed.
• Assist with equipment builds, rebuilds, system integration, and testing of components, assemblies, and subassemblies.
• Perform precision inspections, measurements, and product verification using metrology tools, vision systems, and test equipment.
• Support process validation, equipment qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining accurate and audit‑ready documentation.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to identify opportunities for process optimization, equipment improvements, and enhanced product quality.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities related to process and equipment performance.

What You'll Bring

• Hands‑on technician, engineering technician, manufacturing technician, lab technician, or process development experience in a manufacturing, product development, R&D, test, or engineering environment.
• Experience operating and monitoring manufacturing, assembly, test, validation, or laboratory equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment and process issues.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting data from testing, validation, qualification, or manufacturing activities.
• Ability to follow technical procedures, work instructions, and engineering documentation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work directly with engineers in a fast‑paced development environment.
• Ability to work onsite and support hands‑on equipment and process development activities.

Nice to Have

• Experience in electronics manufacturing, medical devices, precision assembly, semiconductor, automation, aerospace, industrial equipment, consumer products, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with metrology and inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, vision systems, CMMs, optical comparators, or similar equipment.
• Experience with validation and qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ), process verification, or regulated quality systems.
• Exposure to custom automation equipment, robotic systems, machine vision, PLC‑controlled equipment, or automated test systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or root cause analysis methodologies.
• Experience working in cleanroom, laboratory, pilot production, or new product introduction (NPI) environments.

Why This Role

• Opportunity to support the development of new manufacturing technologies and products before they reach full‑scale production.
• Work directly with design, manufacturing, and process engineers in a highly collaborative environment.
• Gain exposure to advanced automation, product development, and process innovation projects.
• Play a visible role in shaping future manufacturing processes, equipment designs, and product quality standards.
• Varied, hands‑on work where every day brings new technical challenges and learning opportunities.
• Strong opportunity for professional growth within engineering, manufacturing, automation, and process development functions.