1

Molding Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

As a Foam Molding Operator, you will be part of the manufacturing department supporting production ... Upon completion of waiting period associates are eligible for: * Medical and Prescription Drug ...

2nd Shift Molder I

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Molding Job Title: Molder I Reports to : Molding Supervisor General Description: Perform manual operation of injection, transfer and compression style presses. The goal is to produce rubber parts ...

1st shift Molder I

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Molding Job Title: Molder I Reports to : Molding Supervisor General Description: Perform manual operation of injection, transfer and compression style presses. The goal is to produce rubber parts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Molding Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$15

$17

How much do molding associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for molding associate in Minnesota is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a molding associate do?

A Molding Associate is responsible for operating and monitoring machines that mold plastic or other materials into specific shapes and products. They set up, adjust, and maintain molding equipment, inspect finished products for quality, and ensure production runs smoothly. Molding Associates often work in manufacturing environments and must follow safety protocols while troubleshooting and resolving minor machine issues. Attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are important skills for this role.

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

To thrive as a Molding Associate, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with injection molding machines, basic hand tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills that help ensure efficient production and workplace safety. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and supporting overall manufacturing goals.

What are some common challenges faced by molding associates, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Molding Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and working efficiently under production deadlines. Addressing these challenges typically involves staying attentive to detail, following standard operating procedures, and communicating promptly with maintenance or quality teams when issues arise. Staying up to date with training and collaborating closely with team members also helps ensure smooth operations and personal growth within the role.

What is the difference between Molding Associate vs Molding Technician?

AspectMolding AssociateMolding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor, assisting in molding processesManufacturing floor, operating and maintaining molding equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with molding tasks, prepare materials, monitor moldsSet up, operate, troubleshoot molding machines, quality checks

While both roles work in plastic molding manufacturing, Molding Associates typically assist with supporting tasks and basic operations, whereas Molding Technicians handle more technical responsibilities like machine setup and troubleshooting. The Technician role usually requires more specialized training but both are essential in the molding production process.

What are popular job titles related to Molding Associate jobs in Minnesota?

For Molding Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Molding Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Molding Associate job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Molding Associate jobs in MN?

For Molding Associate jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Molding Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,040 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Sales Associate - Plastic Injection Molding

Le Sueur

Le Sueur, MN โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Position:

The Sales Associate is responsible for supporting sales growth and customer relationship management for plastic injection molding products and services. This role works closely with customers, engineering, tooling, production, and quality teams to identify opportunities, prepare quotations, and ensure successful project execution. The Sales Associate serves as a key point of contact for customers while promoting the company's injection molding and thermoforming capabilities, value-added services, and manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Generate leads and identify new business opportunities in target industries such as medical, automotive, consumer products, industrial equipment, electronics, and packaging.
  • Capable of reviewing customer drawings, specifications, and product requirements.
  • Coordinate with engineering and manufacturing teams to assess project feasibility and production costs.
  • Follow up on quotations and convert opportunities into production orders.
  • Maintain accurate customer records, sales activities, and forecasts within CRM systems.
  • Assist with contract reviews, pricing negotiations, and customer agreements.
  • Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities.
  • Participate in trade shows, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Technical Responsibilities

  • Understand plastic injection and thermoforming molding processes, tooling requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Assist customers in selecting materials and molding solutions that meet performance and cost objectives.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to recommend cost-effective casting solutions.
  • Evaluate casting feasibility, tooling requirements, and production capabilities.

Qualifications

Education & Education Experience

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent industry experience will be considered.
  • 3-5 years of sales, customer service, account management, or manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Experience in plastic injection molding, thermoforming, plastics manufacturing, tooling, or industrial sales is a plus.

Required Skills

  • Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and customer relationship management skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills
  • Strong technical and consultative selling abilities
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a customer-focused mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Number of qualified leads generated
  • Gross margin performance
  • Sales revenue growth
  • Quote-to-order conversion rate
  • Customer retention and satisfaction
  • On-time quote completion
  • New customer acquisition
  • Account growth and profitability

Preferred Industry Experience

  • Plastic injection molding.
  • Thermoforming
  • Mold manufacturing and tooling.
  • Plastic resins and materials.
  • Contract manufacturing.