Job Description: Auto Thread-On Operator

Stabilus is a global leader in the production of gas springs and dampers on five continents. Our products can be used in a wide variety of industries, such as the automotive and office chair manufacturing industries, furniture technology, solar industry, medical technology, and many other industrial applications. This position will be located in our U.S. Headquarters in Gastonia, NC.

Job Summary:

The Auto Thread-On Operator will work in our Final Assembly area running production equipment used in the manufacture of Gas Springs. Specifically, this position will require proficient operation of an Automatic Thread-On Machine, which assembles end fittings, tests force, applies dust caps, and applies grease and contrakor to Lift-O-Mats.

The position is located in a highly automated and fast-paced production facility so potential operators must work quickly and efficiently. Excellent communication skills are required. Qualified candidates will need to have previous manufacturing experience operating automated production equipment, the ability to read blueprints,

Currently, we an opening on our 3rd shift which runs from 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Applicants should have some flexibility to accommodate changes in the schedule based on company needs.

Main Tasks

• Reviews engineering design sheet to determine product specifications, with corresponding machine setup.
• Selects appropriate tooling from machine racks, or cabinet, and installs on the machine.
• Sets up and adjusts machine parameters to achieve final products which conform to customer specifications. (Correct length, print, orientation, EF tensile/torque requirement, etc.)
• Operation of an inline booter will be required, depending on which ATO the operator is assigned to.
• Operates machines to produce designated number of parts, as advised by Lead/Supervisor.
• Performs quality checks at specified production intervals to maintain tolerances, and records findings on QAP.
• Verifies end fitting identification and part identification match per design sheet.
• Operates tensile tester and /torque tester in performing quality checks.
• Operator is responsible for mechanical upkeep of all tooling at their work center.
• Replacement of wear parts on screwing heads, lift nests and grease bridges is a daily responsibility.
• Operates applicable end fitting remover as necessary to rework product.
• Maintains machine and keeps work area in an organized and clean condition.
• Performs operator preventive maintenance at scheduled intervals, and during PMs.
• Cleans work area daily prior to shift close.

Secondary Tasks

• May perform final inspection of parts and pack into boxes.
• May perform auxiliary operations or orientation of springs during machine operation.
• Communicates equipment problems to supervisor or maintenance as required.
• Operator observes plant safety rules.
• Operator performs various other duties as requested by Leads and/or Supervisors.

Education, Training, Certifications

• High School diploma or GED.

Experience

• Prior experience operating, setting up and adjusting production machines in a manufacturing environment is required

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Requires ability to set up, adjust, and operate an Automatic Thread-On Machine, and inline booter.
• Must be familiar with the product lines and related spring end fittings.
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering design sheets.
• Must be familiar with company quality standards and be skilled in the use of quality test equipment.
• Must be skilled in the use of basic hand tools and measuring devices.
• Mainly performs sequence of operations with recognized procedural methods but can infrequently require considerable judgment and initiative to resolve complex machine problems.

Accountability / Impact of Errors

• Responsibility for Equipment – Sets up, adjusts, and operates equipment where potential for damage exists with negligent operation and/or setup.
• Responsibility for Material – Performs operations where inferior quality may not be detectable in succeeding operations. Considerable loss of material could occur.
• Responsibility for Others – Occasionally sets up machines for fellow operators but does support operation of team members ATOs during breaks. Failure to perform work will prevent workflow to subsequent pack operations. Minimal potential for safety hazards to other employees.

Working Conditions

• Physical Effort: Light physical effort required, continuous lifting of component parts and assembled Gas Springs. Occasionally required to perform work in difficult positions. Good hand/eye coordination required. Frequently required to move material in buggies of heavy weight.
• Good working conditions. No exposure to elements to the point of being disagreeable.