Lead Technician - (1st Shift) - Pridgeon & Clay Inc

1st shift (6:30am-2:30pm) overtime available.

Objective: The Setup Technician assists Manufacturing Supervisor in directing manufacturing resources and improving departmental performance in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Previous experience setting up, adjusting, and troubleshooting dies, sensors, and auxiliary equipment
• Previous experience using and programming a Smart Pac and operating automatic metal stamping presses
• Proven mechanical inclination, general math knowledge, and computer literacy through standardized tests
• The ability to operate a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
• P&C Hi-lo/forklift and crane licenses, or the ability to pass both written and practical tests to obtain them
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• The ability to lead and work well in a team environment
• The ability to provide detailed documentation of tooling, sensor, press, and other related issues
• The ability and desire to attend job-related classes
• The ability to lift 50 pounds
• An excellent work record, including attendance

Outstanding candidates will possess the following Desired Requirements:

• Proficiency with Vulcan or other production tracking system
• Previous experience programming servo-driven systems

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements)

Essential Functions:

Standard Work:

• Monitor production requirements, schedule work for the area, and report production via the electronic production tracking system.
• Enter production information into the tracking system and work with Information Systems Support team to troubleshoot and eliminate tagging and inventory issues.
• Ensure all team members understand and follow all standard work instructions to promote the production of quality product.
• Prepare presses and work sites for set up using standard work. Prepare, install, set up, and remove dies according to set up instructions and documented standard work.
• Validate process parameters and enter system deviations when applicable.
• Teach operators to identify and properly tag and label different types of scrap.
• Consistently follow safety procedures during all phases of work: setup, installation of dies, loading material, operating presses, troubleshooting, and using die carts, using approved controls, safety devices, and coolants. Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action.

Troubleshooting:

• Become the focal point for knowledge and ensure all employees within the department receive the proper training and development. Demonstrate good communication skills and competency when providing troubleshooting guidance to team members and when directing the work of others.
• Troubleshoot dies, sensors, poke yoke, and controls in the hand feed presses and communicate relevant issues to maintenance or the tool room.

Changeovers:

• Ensure that backup tooling, material, fixtures, containers, etc. are pre-staged in designated areas and ready in order to minimize downtime at set up.
• Assist operators to improve setup times and meet production goals by implementing and tracking quick die change techniques, end of run inspection with Die Technicians, and production improvements.
• Set up poke yoke and test functionality during press / die setup when available.
• Ensure that end of run tagging is completed properly at the end of each run. Return all paperwork, gages, and dies to their proper locations at the completion of each changeover.
• Operate department Hi-lo or cranes as needed and comply with all hi-lo/crane safety procedures. Review Hilo and crane maintenance check sheet before each shift. Report any safety issue to the Team Leader and / or safety director in a timely manner.

Leadership/Communication:

• Become the focal point for knowledge and ensure all employees within the department receive the proper training and development. Demonstrate good communication skills and competency when providing troubleshooting guidance to team members and when directing the work of others. Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Perform all activities as directed by the Production Manager or Team Leader. Assume the responsibilities of the Team Leader in his or her absence.
• Assist in teaching new operators how to accurately and efficiently perform their jobs, and then evaluate and contribute their performance information to departmental leadership.
• Assist the Team Leader in the employee evaluation process to ensure detailed and comprehensive input.
• Communicate with team members from other shifts to enhance teamwork and improve throughput. Lead five minutes stand-up meetings to communicate various department and company information.

Quality:

• Use snap calipers, micrometers, height gages, protractors, attribute gates, variable gages, taper gages, and/or ring gages to ensure quality production per the Control Plan.
• Learn where to find and how to understand and complete sort instructions for any quality alerts.
• Use drop gage and fixtures in accordance with policy and ensure they are in calibration.
• Learn to run parts on the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and interpret the reports to verify the quality of parts sheet.
• Find and follow inspection check sheets. Understand the variables and attributes that are recorded and know where to find the minimum and maximum variables on each check sheet.
• Document procedures per the control plan, including visual inspections, first-piece and parts-in-process inspections, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) Charting, reporting any discrepancies to the Supervisor.
• Follow and execute instructions specified in first-off piece, restart piece, and last piece inspection to insure part set-up & Quality (Ci 8.5.1.3)

Safety:

• Follow all ISO/TS policies and procedures.
• Consistently follow safety procedures during all phases of work: set up, installation of dies, loading material, operating presses, etc.
• Use all necessary safety devices when handling a coil (hook, sling, or arm).
• Stack skidded coils safely, ensuring that the largest coils are on the bottom. Stand up coils safety and securely, with no coils being stood up that are less than the required minimum.
• Use and verify safety blocks at any time necessary.
• Use designated personal protective equipment for the work environment.
• Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action.

Continuous Improvement/Lean Principles/5S:

• Participate in lean initiatives and continuous improvement and problem-solving events, applying lean manufacturing concepts to work methods (CIA's, quick set-up, standardized work, error-proofing) and identifying and attempting to eliminate all types of waste.
• Anticipate problems and work to eliminate them before they happen.
• Participate in the development and implementation of successful action plans to achieve temporary and permanent corrective actions, as needed.
• Monitors press strokes per minute (SPM) and drive for continuous improvement.
• Organize and maintain work area and 5S zone to optimize productivity (based on audit score), including items such as sweeping, mopping, wiping down press controls, and controlling slugs.

Teamwork/Dependability:

• Demonstrate good communication skills and competency when providing troubleshooting guidance to team members and when directing the work of others, such as Utility workers, Hi-lo Drivers, and others.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers, effectively communicating with Die Techs, Maintenance personnel, team members and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.

Organization/Communication/Professionalism:

• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, IATF 16949, and safety regulations.
• Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity, and positive attitude) for employees and managers to emulate.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Safety, We Can If...Do What It Takes, and Ownership) daily, through thoughts and actions.

In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:

• A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan including premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
• A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
• An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
• A positive work/life balance
• An opportunity for career growth - Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within