What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Project Technician position at XL Specialized Trailers?
Position Overview
The Manufacturing Project Technician supports production and engineering by developing and maintaining job documentation, build instructions, and job books to ensure products are built correctly and efficiently. This role acts as a liaison between Engineering and Production to clarify drawings, develop kit and assembly documentation, and capture improvements and lessons learned during builds.
This position is focused on improving how work instructions, job information, and build documentation are communicated to the production floor. The Manufacturing Project Technician helps ensure that jobs are clearly defined, repeatable, and properly documented so builds are efficient and consistent.
This role requires a hands-on individual who is comfortable on the production floor, working with supervisors, engineers, and operators to understand builds and document the best way to complete them.
Primary Responsibilities
The Manufacturing Project Technician supports production and engineering by developing and maintaining job documentation, build instructions, and job books to ensure products are built correctly and efficiently. This role acts as a liaison between Engineering and Production to clarify drawings, develop kit and assembly documentation, and capture improvements and lessons learned during builds.
This position is focused on improving how work instructions, job information, and build documentation are communicated to the production floor. The Manufacturing Project Technician helps ensure that jobs are clearly defined, repeatable, and properly documented so builds are efficient and consistent.
This role requires a hands-on individual who is comfortable on the production floor, working with supervisors, engineers, and operators to understand builds and document the best way to complete them.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain job books for products and major assemblies
- Create and update build instructions with photos and clear step-by-step information
- Develop kit and assembly schematics when drawings or prints are unclear
- Act as a liaison between Engineering and Production to clarify job requirements
- Support first-time builds by documenting issues, capturing redlines, and updating documentation
- Maintain and organize job documentation, standard work, and build instructions
- Assist with reviewing BOMs, routers, and job documentation for accuracy prior to release
- Capture lessons learned and update job books and documentation after builds
- Help develop standard work and setup sheets for repeat jobs
- Spend time on the production floor observing builds and updating documentation as processes improve
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment (production, engineering, quality, or similar role)
- Ability to read and understand manufacturing drawings and bills of material
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Good communication skills and ability to work with production employees and engineers
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel)
- Ability to manage multiple projects and keep documentation organized and up to date
- Comfortable spending time on the production floor to observe and document builds
- Experience creating work instructions, job books, or manufacturing documentation
- Experience with ERP systems, routers, and bills of material
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred
- Experience in a job shop or high-mix manufacturing environment preferred
- Basic CAD or drafting experience preferred
- Frequent time spent on the production floor
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to crouch, kneel, and occasionally climb as needed to observe manufacturing processes
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
- Work is performed in both an office and manufacturing environment
- Free medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- 12 paid holidays, including your birthday
- Generous 401(k) plan with employer match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Doctor on Demand virtual visits