Setup Technician Apprentice

About the role

The role of Setup Technician Apprentice at our site in Chaska, MN involves preparing, setting up, and optimizing injection molding equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production. Technicians collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to maintain product quality, support production flow, and contribute to operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Monitor molded products for visual and dimensional conformity, taking corrective action as needed
• Ensure consistent product quality by adhering to specifications, standards, and ISO-compliant processes
• Support key operational processes by contributing to waste reduction, improving throughput, and reinforcing safety, quality, cost, and delivery (SQCD) expectations
• Participate in continuous improvement activities, including 6S, Kaizen, and other problem-solving initiatives to improve process stability
• Set up injection molding presses by following production schedules, retrieving and interpreting work instructions, and preparing auxiliary equipment (oil heaters, thermolators, temperature controllers, robots, end-of-arm tooling)
• Remove molds and related equipment after production runs, assess molds for cleaning or repair needs, and ensure proper storage and housekeeping of press areas
• Complete all required setup documentation, including setup sheets, job packets, and special instructions with accuracy and attention to detail
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, using required PPE, following approved safety procedures, and promptly communicating hazards or unsafe conditions to leadership
• Engage in daily management routines, supporting Schedule Attainment, Visual Management (SQCD boards), and Daily Improvements (MDI) to strengthen operational performance
• Monitor molded parts for visual and dimensional conformity; take corrective action or escalate when necessary

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older and have the right to work in the US without sponsorship
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 3–5 years of mechanical or injection molding setup experience preferred
• Basic math, computer literacy, and accurate data entry skills; SAP experience preferred
• Certified in using powered hand tools, fasteners, and measurement devices
• Competent in basic math and computer data entry
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting ability in mechanical or process-based environments
• Experience participating in continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen, 6S, or waste-reduction initiatives
• Ability to recognize and communicate quality defects and ensure parts meet required specifications

Qualifications

• Must have the right to work in the US without sponsorship
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 3–5 years of mechanical or injection molding setup experience preferred
• Basic math, computer literacy, and accurate data entry skills; SAP experience preferred
• Certified in using powered hand tools, fasteners, and measurement devices
• Competent in basic math and computer data entry
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting ability in mechanical or process-based environments
• Experience participating in continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen, 6S, or waste-reduction initiatives
• Ability to recognize and communicate quality defects and ensure parts meet required specifications

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail for safety and quality
• Competence in basic math and computer data entry
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting ability in mechanical or process-based environments
• Experience participating in continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen, 6S, or waste-reduction initiatives
• Ability to recognize and communicate quality defects and ensure parts meet required specifications

Benefits

Annual bonus eligible
3 weeks of vacation to take the time you need to recharge
Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting
Excellence in health, dental, and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
Education assistance to support your learning journey

Pay

$24-$28 hourly range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role.

Schedule

This position is available on a Monday-Friday Day Shift schedule.