Setup Technician Apprentice

Our site in Chaska, MN is seeking a Setup Technician Apprentice to join our team.

In this role, technicians are responsible for preparing, setting up, and optimizing injection molding equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production. As a Setup Technician, you will install molds, adjust processing parameters, perform startups, and verify equipment readiness in alignment with established procedures and quality standards. Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams, the technician ensures stable operation, minimizes downtime, and supports continuous improvement across molding processes. This role plays a key part in maintaining product quality, supporting reliable production flow, and contributing to operational excellence.

This position will gain experience as a Setup Technician while completing relevant coursework through the apprenticeship program.

-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
- Troubleshoot setup related equipment or process issues to minimize downtime and maintain efficient, stable production
- Monitor molded parts for visual and dimensional conformity; take corrective action or escalate when necessary

-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
- Competency using powered hand tools, fasteners, and measurement devices
- 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