Role: Sr Engineering Technician
Duration: 6 months -Contract to hire
Location: Onsite 5 days in Pomona, CA
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Engineering Technician will provide advanced technical support for metal injection molding (MIM) operations in the production of orthodontic appliances. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, and troubleshooting MIM equipment, ensuring process stability, and maintaining compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The technician will collaborate with the process engineering team to implement process improvements, conduct root cause analysis, and support validation activities. They will possess deep technical expertise in injection molding principles, material science, mold design and process optimization. This position will be based in Pomona, CA and will be required to be on-site full-time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Set up, operate, and maintain metal injection molding (MIM) equipment and related systems to ensure consistent production quality.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis on MIM processes and equipment to resolve technical issues promptly.
• Assist in process development and optimization, including implementing engineering changes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collect and analyze technical process/product data and consolidate it for logical presentations to engineer and management for evaluation.
• Provide improvement and support for existing production lines.
• Use automated solutions to help engineers develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing and inspection processes and procedures.
• Support and/or perform equipment, process validations, and testing to internal procedures.
• Initiate equipment modifications to improve productivity and product quality.
• Assist engineers with outside vendors to coordinate the development of manufacturing equipment.
• Oversee and work closely with the maintenance department to improve machine reliability/reduce downtime and define equipment maintenance requirements.
• Pursue and participate in Envista Business System initiatives.
• Provides direction and training to junior associates.
• Perform any duties or tasks assigned by the Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• HS diploma and 5+ years’ experience in injection molding processes, and production support.
• Experience working in an FDA-regulated environment.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
• Injection Molding Certifications such as RJG Master Molder I or II, or equivalent industry-recognized training.
• Advanced knowledge of metal injection molding (MIM) processes, including feedstock preparation, molding, debinding, and sintering.
• Expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to optimize part design for MIM processes.
• Strong understanding of tooling design, maintenance, and troubleshooting for injection molding and MIM applications.
• Experience with orthodontic appliance manufacturing and familiarity with applicable quality standards (ISO 13485).
• Proficiency in precision measurement techniques and use of metrology tools (CMM, optical comparators, micrometers).
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills for complex molding and equipment issues.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Experience with automation hardware and controls software.
• Experience and exposure to mainstream manufacturing technologies such as CNC's, 3D prototyping, and automation within the manufacturing environment.
• Experience in process/equipment validation and documentation.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
ABILITIES:
• Basic project management experience, good organization, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent communication skills (technical, oral, written) and the ability to describe complex technical issues clearly.
• Ability to follow instructions and guidelines set forth by the Engineering Manager.
• Sound understanding of regulatory and compliance documentation processes, review cycles, and information repositories (meeting minutes, templates, charter documentation, etc.).
• Driven and motivated individual with demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills.
• High ethical standards and attention to reputational and compliance risks.
• Organized thinker that can prioritize tasks in real-time and exercise judgment in a high-paced environment.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to calculate rates, ratios, and percentages to draw and interpret graphs.
• Ability to discern trends and analyze operational reports.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Competent with the use of personal computers and strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to evaluate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical equipment, systems, and processes to meet requirements based on fundamental engineering principles.
• A team player that can work well under constrained deadlines and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel.
• Follows directions well and is a self-starter in identifying what is critical to the success of the project.
• Ability to travel at least 10% of the time to various manufacturing sites, both domestically and internationally, to oversee process implementation and provide on-site support.