Job Title: Automation Specialist
Department: Manufacturing
FLSA Class: Non-Exempt
Pay Type: Hourly
Job Summary: An advanced-level machinist responsible for operating, troubleshooting, optimizing, and supporting automated CNC manufacturing processes. This position requires specialized technical training and demonstrated proficiency in robotic automation, advanced tooling, process monitoring, and manufacturing process control.
Essential Job Functions:
- Verifies settings by measuring positions, first-run part, and sample work pieces
- Maintains specifications by observing machine processes; taking measurements; detecting malfunctions; troubleshooting processes and replacing worn tools
- Uses blueprints to determine proper part tolerance
- Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs
- FANUC Robotics Automation: Demonstrate proficiency in robotic operation, program adjustments, troubleshooting, recovery procedures, and integration with CNC equipment.
- TMAC Process Monitoring: Demonstrate the ability to configure, monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize tool monitoring systems to improve tool life, reduce machine downtime, and prevent machining failures.
- Advanced Tooling Technology: Demonstrated knowledge of tooling selection, cutting parameters, tool life optimization, tool wear analysis, and high-performance machining strategies.
- Manufacturing Process Control: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of process control techniques, process capability, critical machining parameters, and methods for maintaining consistent quality and repeatability.
- Automated Cell Troubleshooting: Independently identify and resolve issues involving CNC equipment, robotic automation, tooling, and integrated manufacturing processes to minimize downtime.
- Offline Tool Setup and Management: Demonstrate proficiency in offline tool setup using tool pre setters, vertical lift module (VLM) storage systems, and Tool Data Management (TDM) software to ensure accurate tool measurement, setup consistency, and efficient transfer of tooling data to CNC equipment, reducing machine downtime and improving productivity.
- Process Optimization: Analyze machining performance, cycle times, tool consumption, and equipment utilization to identify and implement improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency.
- Technical Leadership: Serve as a technical resource for other machinists by providing training, troubleshooting assistance, and support for automated manufacturing processes.
- Continuous Improvement: Support the implementation of new automation technologies, process improvements, and advanced manufacturing methods to increase capacity and reduce manual intervention.
- Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations
- Complies with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Reports all unsafe activities to supervisor and/or a Health Safety and Environmental team member
- Participates in proactive teams to achieve departmental and company goals
- Provides leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- 5+ years’ Machinist experience preferred.
- Vocational, technical or machine operator training preferred.
- Proficient with basic machinist math skills.
- Ability to operate machine with minimal assistance.
- Working knowledge of precision measuring tools and print reading required.
- Understanding of 6S concepts.
- Demonstrated proficiency in advanced CNC machining, setup, and troubleshooting.
- Successful completion of designated FANUC handling tool operation and programming training.
- Successful completion of Caron Engineering TMAC system training.
- Advanced training in cutting tool technology and machining process optimization.
- Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing process control and quality monitoring.
- Ability to independently troubleshoot and optimize automated manufacturing equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to train and support other machinists in advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Must pass background check and drug screen.
Core Competencies:
- Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Demonstrates Self Awareness - Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
Work Environment:
- Manufacturing environment – PPE required in specific areas
- Exposure to seasonal cold and heat
- Frequent exposure to oscillating movement of extremities or whole body, proximity to mechanical parts, moving vehicles and electrical currents
- Consistent skin exposure to oils, greases, adhesives, paints, and other chemicals
- Continuous exposure to atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system
- Elevated noise levels requiring hearing protection
Physical Requirements:
- Repetitive hand motion (such as typing)
- Hearing, listening, talking
Safety Sensitive Position:
