What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Specialist (Applications Engineer) position at EXALTA Group (formerly Tyber, Intech, Resolve)?
EXALTA is seeking an Operations Specialist/Applications Engineer to support new product development launches. This position acts as a bridge between engineering and manufacturing and is responsible for evaluating, implementing, and supporting manufacturing processes and technology to improve overall operational efficiency across manufacturing operations and product lines. This will involve assessing current and future manufacturing technology, collaborating with design teams to improve manufacturability, and troubleshooting manufacturing situations to improve predictability. Additionally, heavy involvement with New Product Development (NPD) launches. This is an onsite role located in Marquette, MI.
Key Responsibilities
- Design fixtures and tooling to support efficient processes with low fallout.
- Lead assessment on manufacturability, and optimum cost studies with NPD launch and legacy OEM production revisions.
- Complete complex machine set-up
- Collaborate with Design and Quality Engineers on developing LEAN manufacturing processes to deliver NPD and Legacy OEM production revisions on time.
- Work with Operations Leaders and Quality department to develop manufacturing plans for NPD and Legacy OEM production revisions.
- Assist manufacturing with evaluating current production equipment, helping to develop continuous improvement plans for the implementation of new technology that will increase productivity, quality, and predictability.
- Lead implementation of testing of tools, fixtures, machinery, and equipment as needed by Value Stream requirements to achieve high quality levels and lower overall process time.
- Responsible for design transfer process to produce quality products
- Perform simulated CAM programming to determine design runtime estimates.
- Approve and assist with creation of production machine programs.
- Implement and support the use of tool monitoring and adaptive control systems and software to optimize tool life and minimize operator intervention.
- Assist with installation, relocation, and layout of new or existing equipment & tooling.
- Evaluate and coordinate the design for customized tooling to optimize manufacturing processes.
- Aid in conceptual design and development of turn-key solutions for machining centers.
- Lead in developing optimal CAM software and posts for production equipment to maintain efficiency and standardization.
- Train, mentor, and coach CNC Operators at all levels and assist in training and developing of Setup Technicians
- This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all the essential functions.
Key Competencies
Behavioral Competencies
- Strong collaboration and communication skills with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Operations).
- Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset focused on quality, efficiency, and cost.
- Effective problem solver using data-driven and structured methodologies.
- Customer and value-stream focused with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to ongoing learning and development.
- Ability to train, mentor, and develop operators and setup technicians.
Technical Competencies
- Advanced CNC machine setup, operation, troubleshooting, and CAM programming.
- Expertise in tooling, fixture, and equipment design to support efficient, low-fallout manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, solid modeling, and CAD systems.
- Proven experience with manufacturability assessments, cost optimization, and design transfer.
- Working knowledge of LEAN Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and Kaizen principles.
- Experience implementing process monitoring, adaptive control systems, and continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications
- BS degree in an engineering or related discipline preferred
- 5 years in programming, setup, and operation of CNC equipment is generally preferred
- Experience with CNC machine setups required and some experience with programming is required
- Advanced knowledge of GD&T, Solid Modeling, and CAD systems
- Fundamental understanding of manufacturing practices/processes
- Fundamental understanding of LEAN Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and the Kaizen Process