Molding specialist

About the role

The Corporate Research Process Laboratory (CRPL) at 3M is seeking a Molding Specialist to join a team of innovative professionals. This role offers opportunities to transition from various backgrounds into a 3M career, focusing on process development and R&D.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of molding processes to enable prototyping, design iteration, and scale-up for new product introductions.
• Troubleshoot molding challenges during development to improve part quality, validate performance, and reduce technical risk before commercialization.
• Apply materials and processing expertise to evaluate new resins, part designs, and tooling approaches that accelerate innovation.
• Protect 3M intellectual property through the filing of new patent applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (completed and verified prior to start).
• Five (5) or more years of experience working in a process development or Research & Development (R&D) organization in a private, public, government or military environment.
• Additional qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering.
• Master’s degree in science or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (completed and verified prior to start).
• Experience in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, molds, and process parameters.
• Experience in working with Injection molding machine and automation manufacturers.
• Experience in CAD part/product design.
• Experience in plastic molding simulation (e.g. Moldflow or Moldex3D).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (completed and verified prior to start).
• Five (5) or more years of experience working in a process development or Research & Development (R&D) organization in a private, public, government or military environment.
• Additional qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering.
• Master’s degree in science or engineering discipline from an accredited institution (completed and verified prior to start).
• Experience in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, molds, and process parameters.
• Experience in working with Injection molding machine and automation manufacturers.
• Experience in CAD part/product design.
• Experience in plastic molding simulation (e.g. Moldflow or Moldex3D).

Work location

This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN. Travel may include up to 10% domestic/international.

Benefits

3M offers competitive pay and benefits, including a range of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans. Additional details are available at this link.

Pay & Benefits Overview

The expected compensation range for this position is $145,676 - $178,049, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. Specific compensation offered may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At 3M, we believe in equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.