Robotics Engineering Technician / Trainer - GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO,LLC

DEPARTMENT:  Engineering

REPORTS TO:  Engineering Manager

LOCATION:  Winterset, Iowa 

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Robotics Engineering Technician / Trainer will create and maintain robotic weld programs for parts and components to support production with weld related questions and issues.  

This role will work in Engineering and closely partner with Maintenance and Production to ensure the desired outcomes are aligned across departments in terms of safety, quality, and productivity pertaining to robot outputs.  

WHY GRIP-TITE MANUFACTURING CO.?

Grip-Tite Manufacturing Co. offers a flexible environment, competitive benefits, and a culture that promotes growth, along with celebrating success. Here at Grip-Tite we realize that our greatest assets are our employees, and we are committed to developing and promoting our talented individuals to support our future growth and leadership needs.

Grip-Tite is 103 years young, and we are proud to say that all our products are made with American steel right here in the USA. 

FOCUS:

• Programs weld robots (Kuka and Fanuc) and takes on emergency troubleshooting of robotic weld cells. May involve on call work.   
• Continually works to improve uptime in robotic welding cells.
• Troubleshoots robotic issues and keeps Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Production Supervisor informed on any issues pertaining to safety, quality, and/or productivity pertaining to robotic cells.  
• Assists and trains new and existing production team members on robots and answers weld related questions, fixturing questions, etc.
• Works with Production Supervisor and Team Leads to transfer any technical information that has been received or learned in the shop, field, and/or training class.  
• Performs technical activities which includes design, selection of components, fabrication, mechanical assembly as well as troubleshooting systems and equipment.  
• Partakes in hands on work to assist manufacturing engineers with addressing equipment, tooling, and programming needs to improve part output and efficiency.  
• Collaborates between operations, maintenance, and engineering to troubleshoot manufacturing processes. May assist as a backup to assemble, maintain, and repair production equipment as needed.   
• Supports plant wide continuous improvement activities which includes development and implementation of automation.  
• Performs as a training resource for welding practices and assists in the investigation of weld-related product failures.  
• Performs visual weld inspections and tests employees and prospective employees in weld ability as needed (new hire processes and cross-training).  
• Creates training tools, documents, and SOPs for production processes ensuring consistent manufacturability.  
• May assist production and engineering with the procurement of tooling necessary to produce new products.  
• May assists in the design and creation of fixtures and jigs to aid production processes.  
• Leads and contributes to manufacturing related projects – including process upgrades, equipment installations and cost reduction initiatives. 
• Performs other job duties as assigned ex. – filling in to meet production and/or quality needs as a team effort. 

SKILLS / ABILITIES & EXPERIENCE:

• Robot programming experience required (Fanuc and Kuka experience preferred).
• AWS or other weld certification preferred.
• Experience with various manufacturing / metal fabrication methods (steel welding, CNC machining, punching, bending, cutting, etc.).
• Experience with production layout, process flow optimization, and work cell design. 
• Reads and interprets blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics. 
• Strong problem and analytical skills. 
• Strong work ethic and motivation to succeed.
• Exhibits a prominent level of safety.  
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with team members throughout the organization.
• Strong computer skills including experience with CAD or other design software. 
• Understanding of basic engineering principles, concepts, and procedures.    

EDUCATION:

• AAS in Advanced Manufacturing Technology or technical certification in engineering, manufacturing, or related field preferred.   Will consider applicable experience in a manufacturing environment in lieu of degree. 
• Weld-certification or diploma or at least 5 years applicable experience in welding / fabrication.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Upholds the Grip-Tite Manufacturing Co. Core Virtues
• Team focused and working in the best interests of Grip-Tite collectively.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
• Organized
• Must be able to handle multiple priorities and meet production deliverables. 
• Must be able to work extended hours, as needed, to meet service obligations.
• Must have a high degree of integrity and keep proprietary information confidential.
• Must be extremely reliable pertaining to work output and attendance.  This position required someone who is at work on a regular and consistent basis.  
• Must be able to work onsite in a manufacturing plant environment with heavy equipment and machinery.
• Ability to work in hot/cold temperatures on production floor based on temperature changes.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be expected to work inside a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to changing temperatures (hot, cold, humid), moving mechanical parts, dust, fumes, chemicals, and loud noises. The noise level in the work environment can be loud; vibration levels are moderate.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. periodically.     
• Nearly all production/manufacturing cells require active bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motion on a regular basis. 

COMPENSATION:

• Competitive hourly rate based on applicable experience. 
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, other ancillary products)
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Generous PTO and paid Holidays
• Energetic and transparent work environment and good company culture. Driven, motivated, and talented support team.
• Ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.
• Employee referral program
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts and other perks

PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING:

Grip-Tite is proud to operate as a drug-free workplace.  All new hires must complete a pre-employment drug screen as well as submit to a background check before being hired. 

E.O.E:

Grip-Tite Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.