Production Technician Special Projects (2nd shift, 3:30pm-1:00am)

This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or source code, and requires that all individuals in this role be authorized to access such information.

General Description:

The Production Technician reports to the Production Supervisor within their area of assignment. The Production Technician is responsible for working on production projects that require a higher level of experience, assisting in the training of operators in the proper processing of product, and working with engineers in the transition of jobs from development to production.  The Production Technician also performs the general work of a Production Operator.  This position requires a safety and quality conscious person who is energetic and goal orientated.  Personal contact with others outside of the department will typically involve interaction with technical and quality assurance personnel to give information on product related concerns.  Strong communication skills are required.

The work environment may involve the handling of hazardous chemicals.    The ability to use a personal respirator is required.  The physical demands of the position may involve standing for extended periods, as well as periodic lifting of items weighing up to 75 lbs.

This classification applied to:

Mill Room: mixing, calendaring, extruding.

Hose Department: building, molding/swage/solder, k-46 bottle assembly and knitting.  Special Projects: molding, bonding and lay-up of parts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Achieve daily and job specific goals
• Establish lean manufacturing techniques in processes
• Train operators in the proper processing of product
• Practice safe and efficient work habits
• Provide support to engineering and product management in the development of new jobs
• Perform the general work of an Production Operator

Education and Experience Requirements-External Candidate:  

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years experience within a similar manufacturing environment
• Ability to interpret technical drawings in area of specialty
• Experience conducting process audits
• Experience in cause analysis and preparing corrective actions
• Must complete and pass testing requirements for position of specialty within the first ninety days of employment
• Ability to set up, operate and shut down equipment within area of specialty
• Lean manufacturing experience in previously held position(s)
• Ability to complete production forms, such as product travelers
• Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment, such as calipers, thickness gages, weigh scales, and tape measures
• Advance knowledge of quality requirements and in-process inspection techniques
• Basic computer skills preferred

Education and Experience Requirements-Internal Candidate

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years employment at R. E. Darling- Preferred
• Ability to interpret technical drawings in area of specialty
• Experience conducting process audits (must have conducted six (6) process audits and reported findings)
• Experience in cause analysis and preparing corrective actions (must have conducted one (1) cause analysis investigation and have prepared a corrective action relating to the cause analysis investigation)
• Must complete and pass testing requirements for position of specialty
• Ability to set up, operate and shut down equipment within area of specialty
• Completion of internal Lean manufacturing training
• Ability to complete production forms, such as product travelers
• Ability to accurately utilize measuring equipment, such as calipers, thickness gages, weigh scales, and tape measures
• Advance knowledge of quality requirements and in-process inspection techniques
• Basic computer skills preferred

Specific Tasks and Focus Areas:

• Achieve daily and job specific goals
  • Manage all jobs assigned from start-up to shut-down
  • Utilize advanced knowledge of manufacturing methods used in area of specialty
  • Utilize advanced knowledge of equipment operations within area of specialty
  • Produce product per the manufacturing instructions and drawings
  • Utilize knowledge of methods and materials to identify problems
  • Proficient processing of requisitions (purchase and material)
  • Support immediate lead person/supervisor in decision making
  • Produce quality parts by adhering to quality requirements and utilizing in-process inspection techniques for assigned jobs
  • Maintain a good communication loop with engineering, quality, management, production operators and maintenance and provide support to each department as needed
  • Fill in for Lead/Supervisor when necessary
• Establish lean manufacturing techniques in processes
  • Set-up areas that maintain lean thinking
  • Support the lean daily management system
  • Conduct shift start up meetings
• Train operators in the proper processing of product
  • Evaluate quality of product produced by the trainee for conformance
  • Establish training criteria for manufacturing processes
  • Lead by example and maintain a professional relationship with trainees
  • Support Company mission statement and values
• Practice safe and efficient work habits
  • Know safety procedures and safety equipment in work area
  • Support a safe work environment and production practices
  • Utilize proper PPE at all times
• Provide support to engineering and product management in the development of new jobs
  • Support engineering in the development on new processes
  • Support production in the troubleshooting of processing problems
  • Generate engineering change requests
  • Develop basic manufacturing processes
  • Provide training to production operators
• Perform the general work of an operator

“AA/EOE/W/M/Vet/Disable”

R.E. Darling Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as protected veteran, among other things, or status as qualified individual with disability.