Senior Process Technician - Injection Molding Caliber Products / Elastech Solutions Burnsville, MN Job Details Full-time $28 - $45 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Mechanical blueprint interpretation Defect resolution root cause analysis Single-screw extruders Technical documentation Coaching Design of experiments RAM extruders Production deviation management Engineering process optimization Injection (injection molding) Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) GD&T High school diploma or GED Parts drawings Custom plastic extruder Mentoring Root cause analysis Twin-screw extruders Manufacturing company experience Full Job Description

CALIBER-ELASTECH

Job Description Senior Process Technician — Injection Molding Department Manufacturing / Production Engineering Reports To Process Engineering Manager / Plant Manager FLSA Status Non-Exempt (Hourly) Schedule Full-Time — shift assigned at hire; availability for cross-shift process support as needed Pay Range $29.00 - $38.00 per hour, depending on experience and certifications (placeholder — confirm against current pay scale before posting)

POSITION SUMMARY

Caliber-Elastech is seeking a Senior Process Technician to own the scientific molding process across our injection molding operations. This role goes beyond machine setup and operation — it is responsible for developing, validating, and documenting robust molding processes, driving root-cause problem solving on complex quality and process issues, and building process capability across the plant through mentoring, standard work, and continuous improvement. The Senior Process Technician acts as the plant's subject-matter expert on process optimization and is a key technical partner to Engineering and Quality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, validate, and document scientific molding processes for new and existing tools, including viscosity curves, gate seal studies, cooling studies, and process windows. Participate in mold qualification and process validation activities (e.g., IQ/OQ/PQ, DOE studies) for new tools, engineering changes, and re-qualifications. Independently diagnose and resolve complex process, quality, and equipment issues including short shots, flash, warpage, sink, voids, and dimensional or cosmetic non-conformances. Establish and maintain robust process parameters and control plans; ensure processes are locked, documented, and reproducible across shifts and operators. Optimize cycle time, scrap rate, and first-pass yield through data-driven process improvements. Partner with Design, Tooling, and Quality Engineering on DFM feedback, mold trials, sampling, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) investigations. Configure and troubleshoot auxiliary and process-monitoring equipment, including robots, hot runner controllers, cavity pressure/temperature sensors, and process monitoring software. Train, mentor, and technically develop injection molding technicians and operators on scientific molding principles and standard work. Maintain accurate process documentation, setup sheets, and validation records in compliance with internal and customer/quality system requirements. Champion safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and good manufacturing practices (GMP); support 5S and continuous improvement initiatives plant-wide.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certificate in plastics/polymer technology strongly preferred. 7+ years of hands-on injection molding experience, including at least 3 years focused specifically on process development, process engineering, or scientific molding (not just machine operation/setup). Demonstrated expertise in scientific molding methodology — decoupled molding, viscosity/cavity balance studies, and DOE-based process optimization. Strong root-cause problem-solving skills and experience leading corrective-action investigations. Ability to read and interpret mold drawings, part prints (including GD&T basics), and process/control documentation. Working knowledge of thermoplastic and/or thermoset materials, resin behavior, and drying/handling requirements. Strong communication and coaching skills, with proven ability to train and develop technicians.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS RJG

Master Molder II certification (or equivalent advanced scientific molding credential) strongly preferred. Experience with multi-cavity, hot runner systems, and in-mold sensor/cavity pressure technology. Experience working within

ISO 9001.

Prior experience in a process lead, trainer, or shift process-technician role.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for the duration of a full shift on a manufacturing floor. Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (molds and materials moved with lifting equipment/hoists as needed). Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures, noise, and exposure to machinery, oils, and plastic resins; proper PPE required at all times. Ability to move between shifts periodically to support process trials, validations, or troubleshooting outside the assigned shift.

WHAT CALIBER-ELASTECH OFFERS

Competitive hourly pay based on experience and certifications, plus applicable shift differential. Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match. Paid time off and paid holidays. Support for continuing scientific-molding certification (RJG, Six Sigma) and career advancement into process engineering. Caliber-Elastech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Pay:

$28.00 - $45.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person