Mold & Automation Technician

What you will do:

Be a member of cross-disciplinary teams developing and improving manufacturing automation processes. Identify opportunities for cost saving or expanded automation capabilities.

Help develop automation concepts and apply analytical techniques to support decision processes.

Initiate, design, and develop automation strategies for new processes.

Troubleshoot production problems in terms of automation as needed. Identify automation bottlenecks and quality issues. Identify potential design improvements and alternatives in terms of press/manufacturing automation.

Collaborate with engineering department and automation team to enhance and debug processes, tooling, and new products.

Support area as "Automation Molding Subject Matter Expert", who thoroughly knows equipment and processes as it relates to automation.

Mentor and train Associate Mold Process Technicians and Mold Process Technicians on automation set-up, trouble shooting and creative automation solutions.

Flexibility to change schedule hours and support off shift for automation evaluations and training mold techs

Help to design and implement ergonomics solutions as part of the automation process

Meet with the Shift Supervisor and other Process Technicians to discuss all issues relating to automation on the shop floor.

Ensure presses are running correct cycle time and match what is documented.

Perform thorough part inspections and make appropriate decisions relative to part quality requirements.

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

Build communication relationships with Build, Designers, Engineers, CSEs and Supervisors.

In relation to Automation, ensure mold is set properly and document set-up

Accurately record process specifications onto cycle sheets.

Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.

Maintain clean and organized work area with emphasis on safety, quality, efficiency, and utilization.

Continually seek to improve work processes and individual performance.

Develop, optimize (incorporating design of experiments), stabilize, and troubleshoot injection molding processes using a wide variety of engineered and commodity type resins on a wide range of injection molding machinery.

What it will take:

Education and Experience

· Minimum 2-year technical degree or 4 years of equivalent experience in molding.

· 1 year experience in automation implementation experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong written and oral communication skills: able to communicate complex technical information to all levels of the organization, able to clearly present data in written and verbal form.

· Exhibit leadership skills that are consistent with Protolabs values – strong work ethics, technical knowledge, and employee oriented.

· Able to safely operate handheld and stationary power tools.

· Able to understand electrical-pneumatic components and schematics

· Able to understand ladder logic and or robotic programming language

· Able to use measuring instruments such as scales, calipers, dial indicators.

· Demonstrated ability to reduce cycle times, improving part quality and machine utilization in line with Protolabs objectives.

· Able to perform basic fabrication and assembly

· Able to work safely with sharp and heavy objects (e.g., utility knives, aluminum blocks).

· 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.

· In the subjective judgment of managers, supervisors, and master molders, the candidate must possess the temperament and depth and range of skills necessary to be successful in this position.

· Strong attention to detail and experience with managing project documents and producing quality content.

· Must be able to take initiative and work independently.

· Self-motivated and self-directed with high sense of urgency

· Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment.

· Strong time management skills with the ability to successfully perform within a project framework including defined deliverables and time frames.

· Concurrently solve immediate issues while maintaining a vision of the future

What's 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!