What are the responsibilities and job description for the Schutte Setup Tech position at RW Screw LLC?
Job Title: Senior Schutte Technician - Technical Lead (Machining)
Job Status: Full-time Employee, Non-Exempt Hourly
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager / Manufacturing Engineer
Position Summary
The Schutte Senior Technician – Technical Lead is a senior-level machining role responsible for advanced setup, optimization, and technical ownership of Schutte multi-spindle machines. In addition to hands-on setup and troubleshooting, this role serves as a key technical resource for operators, drives process stability, and leads continuous improvement efforts across assigned machines and product families.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical & Machining Leadership
- Perform complete setups and changeovers on Schutte multi-spindle machines, including tooling selection, cam timing, pickoff operations, feeds, speeds, and process optimization
- Act as the technical lead for assigned machines or product families, ensuring stable, repeatable, and efficient processes
- Diagnose and resolve complex machining, tooling, timing, and material issues impacting quality or throughput
- Establish and maintain setup standards, tooling layouts, timing charts, and best practices
- Support and mentor setup technicians and operators, providing hands-on training and technical guidance
- Work closely with maintenance to improve machine reliability, uptime, and preventive maintenance strategies
Machine Ownership & Floor Execution
- Operate and oversee one or more Schutte machines as needed.
- Maintain quality of workpieces after setups.
- Make advanced adjustments and tooling changes.
- Ensure machines are stocked and chips are removed.
- Maintain proper fluid levels.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of machines and work area.
Quality & Process Control
- Interpret complex blueprints, customer specifications, and GD&T requirements
- Define inspection methods, control plans, and critical-to-quality characteristics specific to multi-spindle operations
- Lead first-article approvals and support internal and customer quality audits
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions related to scrap, rework, and process variation
- Ensure process capability meets or exceeds customer requirements
Process Development & Optimization
- Develop and refine machining processes for new and existing parts on Schutte equipment
- Optimize cycle times, tooling life, and changeover efficiency
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks within multi-spindle operations
- Support process validation during new product launches and engineering changes
- Drive standard work documentation for setups and operations
Continuous Improvement
- Lead or support kaizen initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost
- Improve machine utilization and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Reduce scrap and variation through structured problem-solving methods
- Support 6S and visual management efforts on the shop floor
This description outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
- 5-10 years of hands-on experience setting up Schutte or similar multi-spindle screw machines
- Strong experience with cam-driven machining, timing adjustments, and multi-spindle process control
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex machining and process issues
- Strong blueprint reading skills, including GD&T interpretation
- Advanced knowledge of cutting tools, materials, feeds, speeds, and machine capabilities
- Experience with precision measurement tools and inspection techniques
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and shifts.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to safety and quality.
- Ability to work flexible shifts, overtime, and on call as required to support production operations.
- Capability to safely operate equipment such as lift trucks, scissor lifts, and man lifts
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in technical lead, senior setup, or process engineering role
- Experience supporting quoting, cycle time development, or cost estimating
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and routing structures
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and shifts.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to safety and quality.
- Ability to work flexible shifts, overtime, and on call as required to support production operations.
- Capability to safely operate equipment such as lift trucks, scissor lifts, and man lifts
- Experience supporting new product launches, PPAPs, or customer validations
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with or without assistance
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, oil, and metal chips
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation based on experience and technical skill level
- Overtime opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Stable work environment with strong technical growth and leadership opportunities