1

Mold Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Wyoming, MN · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

... a Molding Tooling Engineer based Libertyville, IL, with one of our prestigious clients. I would ... Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Wyoming, MN (Onsite) Job Summary: We are seeking a Mechanical ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

Design for manufacturability and assembly across injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, die-cut components, and fabricated steel assemblies. * Perform tolerance stack-up analysis ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chanhassen, MN · Hybrid

$91K - $126K/yr

Design for manufacturability and assembly across injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, die-cut components, and fabricated steel assemblies. * Perform tolerance stack-up analysis ...

Moldmaker I

New Brighton, MN · On-site

$26 - $39/hr

Responsible for executing the process of building precision injection molds, fixtures and ... Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications and CAD models * Ability to effectively ...

Interfaces with the commercial dealer systems operation, manufacturing plants, tread and mold design group and corporate marketing during new equipment development feasibility studies. * Makes ...

You will also work closely with design and engineering teams to create fixtures, molds, test fixtures, and miscellaneous parts that require manufacturing using machine tools. As a key contributor to ...

New

You will also work closely with design and engineering teams to create fixtures, molds, test fixtures, and miscellaneous parts that require manufacturing using machine tools. As a key contributor to ...

You will also work closely with design and engineering teams to create fixtures, molds, test fixtures, and miscellaneous parts that require manufacturing using machine tools. As a key contributor to ...

You will also work closely with design and engineering teams to create fixtures, molds, test fixtures, and miscellaneous parts that require manufacturing using machine tools. As a key contributor to ...

Tool Maker

Delano, MN · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Strong background in plastic injection molding tooling maintenance and repair. * Experience setting up and operating CNC machine tools. * Proficiency with Mastercam or equivalent CAD CAM programming ...

Showing results 21-40

Mold Design information

See Minnesota salary details

$33.8K

$97.1K

$190.5K

How much do mold design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for mold design in Minnesota is $97,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $101,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mold designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mold Designer, you need a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials science, and mechanical design principles, often supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and familiarity with mold flow analysis tools are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure precise and manufacturable designs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing high-quality molds that meet production requirements and minimize costly errors.

What is the difference between Mold Design vs Mold Manufacturing?

AspectMold DesignMold Manufacturing
Primary FocusCreating detailed plans and specifications for moldsBuilding and assembling molds based on designs
Skills & CertificationsCAD software, engineering principles, mold design standardsMachining, tooling, assembly skills, certifications in manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labsManufacturing plants, machine shops
Industry UsageUsed by engineers and designers in plastics and metal industriesUsed by machinists and technicians in mold production

While mold design involves creating detailed plans and specifications for molds, mold manufacturing focuses on physically producing those molds through machining and assembly. Both roles are essential in the mold-making process but require different skill sets and work environments.

Is mold design a good career?

Mold design is a specialized engineering field focused on creating molds for manufacturing processes like injection molding. It requires skills in CAD software, materials knowledge, and precision work, often involving collaboration with manufacturing teams. The profession offers steady employment opportunities in industries such as automotive, consumer products, and aerospace.

What does a mold design do?

A mold design professional creates detailed plans and specifications for manufacturing molds used in producing plastic, metal, or other materials. They use CAD software to develop precise designs, ensuring the molds meet product requirements and are efficient for manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in mold design and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Mold Design often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, ensuring manufacturability, and maintaining precision in complex designs. To address these, it's important to have strong communication with manufacturing teams and utilize advanced CAD software to identify and resolve issues early. Staying updated on the latest materials and mold-making technologies also helps in creating efficient, cost-effective molds. Being proactive in seeking feedback and collaborating across departments can further streamline the design process and improve outcomes.

How to become a mold designer?

To become a mold designer, typically a candidate needs a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD and understanding manufacturing processes are essential; certifications in CAD or mold design can also enhance job prospects.

What is mold design?

Mold design is the process of creating detailed plans and specifications for molds used in manufacturing processes such as injection molding, blow molding, or casting. Mold designers use specialized software to develop tools that help shape materials like plastic, metal, or rubber into precise products. The goal is to ensure the mold is efficient, durable, and capable of producing high-quality parts with minimal waste. Mold design involves considerations like material selection, part geometry, cooling systems, and ease of manufacturing. Skilled mold designers play a crucial role in reducing production costs and improving product quality.
What are popular job titles related to Mold Design jobs in Minnesota? For Mold Design jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mold Design job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,085 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Molding specialist

3M

Woodbury, MN

$145K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:

Molding Specialist

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

As a Molding Specialist in the Corporate Research Process Laboratory (CRPL), you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • 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.

  • Troubleshoot molding challenges during development builds to improve part quality, validate performance, and reduce technical risk before commercialization.

  • Protecting 3M intellectual property through the filing of new patent applications

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution

  • 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 that could help you succeed even further in this role 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:

  • 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

Relocation: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $145,676 - $178,049, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement


Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.

Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.


What 3M employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom