Process Technician

GCS Recruitment; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Process Technician to support pilot-line development in advanced manufacturing. You will run prototype systems, collect data, troubleshoot equipment, and help refine manufacturing processes before full-scale production.

This contract role emphasizes development over routine operations, with close collaboration with engineers and emphasis on process optimization, metrology, and qualification activities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on technician with ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment in a development setting.
• Experience supporting precision manufacturing, pilot-line operations, or testing environments.
• Experience collecting, documenting, and reporting test data and observations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment and collaborate with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor pilot-line and prototype process equipment during development and qualification activities
• Collect, document, and report process and performance data
• Partner with engineers to analyze results and identify process improvements
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues and perform adjustments to maintain system performance
• Assemble, rebuild, and test equipment, systems, and subassemblies
• Perform precision inspections and measurements using metrology and optical inspection equipment
• Support process and equipment validation activities with accurate and audit-ready documentation
• Provide structured feedback to engineering teams regarding equipment performance, reliability, and process capability
• Assist with qualification, testing, and continuous improvement activities
• Maintain a safe and organized working environment while adhering to established procedures and quality standards

Skills

Hands-on technician

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Fast-paced environment

Tools

Metrology equipment

CMM

Keyence vision systems

Optical inspection

Fiber optics familiarity

Job description

Process Technician

Pilot Line / New Product Development - Advanced Manufacturing

Type: Contract
Start: ASAP

The Opportunity

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the advanced technology and infrastructure sector, is expanding production of highly engineered precision components used in next-generation connectivity and data technologies.

An in-house engineering team designs and builds custom automated manufacturing equipment, and a new production process is currently in the pilot-line phase.

This role is ideal for a hands‑on Process Technician who can support pilot operations by running prototype systems, collecting critical process data, troubleshooting equipment, and helping refine manufacturing processes before full‑scale production. This is a development‑focused position rather than a traditional production operator role. Your observations, testing, and feedback will directly contribute to process optimization and equipment design.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor pilot-line and prototype process equipment during development and qualification activities
• Collect, document, and report process and performance data
• Partner with engineers to analyze results and identify process improvements
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues and perform adjustments to maintain system performance
• Assemble, rebuild, and test equipment, systems, and subassemblies
• Perform precision inspections and measurements using metrology and optical inspection equipment
• Support process and equipment validation activities with accurate and audit‑ready documentation
• Provide structured feedback to engineering teams regarding equipment performance, reliability, and process capability
• Assist with qualification, testing, and continuous improvement activities
• Maintain a safe and organized working environment while adhering to established procedures and quality standards

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on technician, engineering technician, manufacturing technician, laboratory technician, or similar technical background
• Experience supporting precision manufacturing, research and development (R&D), pilot‑line operations, product development, or testing environments
• Experience operating and monitoring process, laboratory, testing, or manufacturing equipment
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting abilities
• Experience collecting, documenting, and reporting test, validation, or process data
• Ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve equipment and process issues
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate closely with engineering teams
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced development environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical inspection, vision systems, or automated inspection technologies (such as Keyence or similar systems)
• Experience usingmetrology equipment, including:
  • Calipers
  • Micrometers
  • Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
  • Vision measurement systems
• Experience supporting validation and qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Familiarity with quality systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), GMP, QMS, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with fiber optics, photonics, connectors, micro‑assembly, or other precision manufacturing processes
• Exposure to custom automation equipment, robotics, or cleanroom environments

Common Equipment & Technologies

Candidates may have experience with:

• Keyence vision and inspection systems
• Automated manufacturing equipment
• Precision assembly tools
• Metrology and measurement equipment
• Mechanical and electrical test equipment
• Process monitoring and data collection systems
• Validation and qualification documentation tools

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.