Molding Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About Cretex Medical

Cretex Medical is a leading contract manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for the medical device industry.  Our customers view us as a trusted partner in the areas of injection molding, laser processing, metal stamping and device assembly.  Learn more at www.cretexmedical.com.

Position Summary:

The Process Technician Supervisor will be a working supervisor role that leads the technical execution of manufacturing processes, connecting people, process, and performance to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This role oversees process technicians and set-up technicians to ensure our production schedules meet customer expectations.  As a technical and business-focused leader, the Process Technician Supervisor drives continuous improvement, process optimization, and problem solving while developing the team and strengthening manufacturing capabilities. This role uses data and technical expertise to improve productivity, reduce waste, control costs, and ensure a safe, compliant, and high-performing operation.

• Lead and develop molding technicians (from entry level to senior techs). This will include training, skills gap assessments, shift handoffs, and fostering a collaborative, accountability-driven culture.
• Own daily and weekly shift performance, driving continuous improvement in safety, machine utilization, productivity, and on-time delivery.
• Lead initiatives to reduce scrap, process waste, and unplanned downtime while maximizing OEE and overall operational efficiency.
• Drive safe and efficient mold changeovers through SMED principles, ensuring production schedules and customer delivery commitments are consistently met.
• Optimize molding processes, equipment, cycle times, material usage, and changeovers to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved through effective staffing, resource allocation, machine capacity planning, and timely issue resolution.
• Monitor process performance and use MES, ERP, Power BI, and other systems to analyze data, identify trends, and drive informed decisions.
• Ensure processes operate within validated parameters and established standards, including proper use of work instructions, setup sheets, checklists, and required documentation.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Tooling Engineers to support mold trials, sample runs, and process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), ensuring a seamless handoff of new tools to production.
• Active participation in Lean initiatives (5S, Standard Work, Kaizen events) to optimize cell layouts, streamline changeovers, and drive operational excellence on the molding floor.
• Establish and maintain a safe, compliant work environment through adherence to PPE, machine guarding, ergonomics, Quality System, ISO, and medical device requirements.
• Lead visual management and tiered accountability meetings to communicate performance, priorities, and actions across shifts.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Planning and other functions to resolve issues and achieve business objectives.
• Lead projects and process improvement initiatives that support operational and business goals.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment.

• 5+ years leading a technical team and must have advanced Injection Molding Process Expertise: Deep technical understanding of scientific molding principles (e.g., decoupled molding, RJG systems, polymer behavior, and machine/auxiliary equipment controls). Must have hands-on experience troubleshooting complex molding defects (splay, flash, short shots, warp) and establishing robust process windows.
• Associate degree in a business or technical field, or equivalent experience  
• Demonstrated technical problem-solving and root cause analysis: Systematic approach to troubleshooting tooling, material, equipment, and process failures. Ability to utilize structured problem-solving methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to implement permanent corrective actions.
• Ability to consistently achieve short and long-term business results
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Lean Practitioner Certification
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Ability to prioritize and multitask

Desirable Criteria & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations, or an equivalent field
• Quality and/or Operational Excellence training such as Lean, Six-Sigma, ASQ-CQE, etc.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001/13485
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Continuing Education; including participation in local chapters, associations, and/or organizations

This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions within this job grade, based on our market-based pay structures. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full hiring range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

All Employees:

Our 401k retirement savings plan with a company match contribution; onsite health clinics, discretionary holiday bonus program (based on years of service), Cretex University, 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost, wellness program with incentives, an employee death benefit, and employee sick and safe leave are available to all Cretex employees. 

20+hours:

Cretex's medical benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with access to virtual providers; dental insurance (Little Partners Dental benefit covers services 100 percent for children 12 and younger when seen by a Health Partners in network provider); vision insurance; a pre-tax health savings account, healthcare and dependent care pre-tax reimbursement accounts; paid holidays, paid time off; and our discretionary profit sharing program are available to employees working 20+ hours/week. 

30+ hours:

Parental Leave, accident and critical illness benefits, optional employee, spouse, and child life; short and long term disability; company provided life insurance; and tuition assistance programs are available to employees working 30+ hours per week. 

(Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other protected status as required by law.  

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.