Purpose: Production operators are tasked with setting up, monitoring, and maintaining machines and equipment used in production lines. Ensures machinery works properly, and conforms with (and can produce materials that conform with) company quality, quantity, and efficiency standards. They're responsible for feeding raw materials into machines, operating machines, making minor repairs, replacing parts, and testing finished materials for compliance. Acts as a coach to coach

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Includes and builds on all of the Production Operator tasks
• Preparing and Setting Up Machine:
  • Studies blueprints, work orders, and other specifications to ensure the proper setup sequence is followed
  • Write and change G-code programs
  • Sets up and operates tools and machines according to instructions, specifications, and standard charts to include workpieces, fixtures and feeding devices, etc.
  • Set up and verifies measuring instruments such as gauges, calipers, and micrometers are in proper working order
  • Observes each machine to verify quality performance
  • Initiate procurement of spare parts

• Machining and Maintenance:
  • Instruct the Production Operator on the tasks of the production order
  • Monitor, analyze and address disruptions and errors as necessary
  • Perform machine maintenance per manufacturer guidelines
  • Making minor repairs

• Quality Control:
  • Observe each machine to verify quality performance
  • Identify and solve problems with quality, may do changes in the program and document it.
  • Support of part inspection (Conducting cross-checks) and document it
  • Operate specific measuring devices (optical, tactile, 3D, surface measuring)

• Tool Change:
  • Utilize various different tools
  • Change tools if needed to meet quality requirements

• Change Orders and Documentation:
  • Must demonstrate ability to maintain detailed records; must be able to complete process documentation and other production records.
• Collaborative Support:
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate material flow, address any inventory-related issues, and ensure efficient operations.
• Safety Compliance:
• Adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Report any hazards or incidents promptly and participate in safety training programs.
• Follow Guidelines/Systems
• Adherence to all management systems.
• Support for Continuous Improvement (CIP).
• 6S: Maintain a clean and orderly work area to ensure “tour ready” status
• Other duties may be assigned

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to understand units of measure and record information
• Must read, understand and follow documented procedures and instructions
• Have operational experience with saws, drilling, lathes and milling machines tool and light hand tools.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that arise during the manufacturing process
• Must be able to read and understand technical drawings
• Reliability and quality awareness.
• Must be willing to travel to the German Headquarters

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational school diploma highly preferred
• At least 3 ½ years of experience as a setup operator required

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in noisy environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Ability to bend, stretch, squat, and climb to access all parts of the machine.
• Ability to perform manipulation of machine tools and parts
• Ability to see close vision, depth perception and adjust focus
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Ability to work in a fast-past environment and handle multiple tasks