Primary Purpose of Position:  

At The Stow Company, Technical Machine Operators are a key part of our dynamic and growing team! The Technical Machine Operator position is a highly experienced position responsible for operating automated wood processing equipment such as routers, saws, edge banders, drills, and other equipment as needed. Extensive experience with machines and semi-automated equipment is a must, and experience specifically within the wood industry is a plus.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Monitoring and maintaining functionality of the storage system, performance-cut and transportation system of the line operation
• Interpreting software used to control machinery
• Basic programming of machinery essential for business operation
• Troubleshooting errors efficiently to maximize production
• Communicating frequently and efficiently with the Line Lead
• Performing routine machine maintenance as a proactive measure
• Maintaining a safe and clean workspace
• Complete required quality checks and root cause investigations
• Perform advanced trouble-shooting for machine issues
• Perform tooling changeovers (saw blades, drill bits, etc.)
• Set up machines (calibration, cleaning etc.) to start a production cycle
• Control and adjust machine settings (e.g. speed)
• Feed raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
• Inspect parts with precision and measuring tools
• Test operation of machines periodically
• Check output to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws
• Keep records of approved and defective units or final products
• Maintain activity logs
•  Lives Company values on a daily basis.
• Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of themselves, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential elements as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities 

The Stow Company may temporarily assign any team member with duties outside of their normal responsibilities. Such assignments may be warranted due to a variety of specific requirements, conditions and/or the capabilities of available personnel. Management will determine the nature and duration of those assignments. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education & Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED required, technical degree or certification a big plus
• 3 years of machine operation in a manufacturing environment 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• High mechanical aptitude especially when dealing with stressful situations
• Shop mathematical skills – understanding complex instructions, how schematics work, etc.
• Working knowledge of CNC machines and operation, point-to-point machines, edge banders, and/or saws within the wood manufacturing arena is a big plus
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail
• Problem solving – determine why machines are not at peak performance, how to increase output and fix errors
• Able to gain mechanical/technical/electrical knowledge
• Be willing and able to follow all company policies
• Actively participates in all team meetings and events
• Interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with individuals both internally and externally to The Stow Company 
• Must have excellent customer service skills; including strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Must have the ability to interface with all levels of personnel in an office and a manufacturing environment 
• Able to take the initiative and work well independently with little supervision, and as part of a team 

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• Able to perform physical labor required for manual repairs
• Able to tolerate an environment where sawdust particles are present
• Able to communicate in an environment with a medium to high level of ambient noise
• This position requires some kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, and stretching as well as handling boards of varying sizes, up to 75 pounds
• Able to bend, twist, and stand for up to 12 hours
• Standing and walking approximately 100 percent of work time 
• Able to work overtime or occasionally on weekends with short notice 
• Manufacturing environment with multiple machinery and moving parts