Lead Machine Operator

Description

General Description:   Operate computer numerical control machines and manual machines to fabricate parts, with no or minimal supervision. Load parts in machine, detect malfunctions in productive runs and maintain a safe, organized and clean work area.  Able to coach and assist team members with any needs, problems, etc.  Perform additional tasks as assigned.

General Tasks

• Perform typical machine shop operations, blueprint reading, and measurements and able to operate various precision gauges and verify their calibration.
• Maintain that the machines, work area and equipment are in a clean orderly condition (check lubricants, coolants filters, etc.)
• Ensure other machine operators maintain their machines, work area and equipment.
• Follow prescribed safety procedures at all times.
• Ensure machine operators understand priority of jobs needed.

Set-Up

• Review traveler and understand part that needs to be created.Assist other machine operators to ensure they understand what needs to be done.
• Verify tooling, setup sheets, and CNC program is correct prior set up.
• Set-up and operate machine on trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings, part measurements and dimensions.
• Calculate and set controls to regulate machining factors such as speeds, feeds, coolant flow, lubrication, etc.
• Identify and record new tooling pieces per tooling numbering sequence.

Quality Control

• Ensure parts are within tolerances; cuts are accurate and product conforms to specifications.
• Able to assist other operators produce product that conforms to specifications
• Deburr parts
• Send “first piece” to Quality/Inspection to ensure product conforms to specifications.
• Evaluate Operator’s request to make temporary adjustments
• Make any temporary adjustments to machine
• Record temporary changes by hand-writing, initialing, dating the job traveler.
• Work with Programming/Planning to implement permanent changes to production processes and NC programs including equipment and tooling.
• Receive “first piece buy-off” from Quality/Inspection before continuing to run.
• Upon completion of run, organize parts and send to next operation.
• Develop and Initiate preventative actions with Machine Operators.
• Maintain lot and traceability & record data detailed on job travelers
• Notify Inspection, Production Manager, or V.P. Mfg of items that do not conform to specifications.
• Red tag nonconforming parts immediately.

Troubleshoot

• Start and observe machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining and adjust machine controls as required.
• Must notify production, about an alarm, problem, code, etc. and write down what was being done at the time the problem occurred.
• Detect and report defective materials or tools.
• Detect and report questionable conditions to management.
• Recommend changes that may be necessary to a program.
• Able to troubleshoot that machines are operating appropriately.
• Ensure parts are cutting right, program is running correctly and correct tools are being used.
• Able to assist other Machine Operators with questions or concerns.

.Interpersonal Relations/Support

• Willing to assist others outside the realm of the job when needed.
• Balance team and individual responsibilities and contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Provide guidance and assistance to team members who seek advice, raise concerns, etc.
• Play a key role in enabling the team to exceed customer expectations.
• Participate in continuing the development of other employees.
• Coach, counsel and motivate the team to perform at their highest ability.

Employee Supervision

• Able to train, develop and direct the activities of new and current employees.
• Able to clarify work expectations, monitor employee’s progress and work quality, evaluate an employee’s performance and provide continued feedback to employees.
• Ensure compliance with company handbook

Communications

• Speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and maintain a professional, composed demeanor in interactions with team members and management.
• Set an example worth emulating to your team members.

Judgment and Initiative

• Consideration given to advantages, disadvantages and consequences of decisions made and applied.
• Able to manage multiple projects and activities concurrently to achieve desired outcomes.
• Must exercise good judgment and initiative where appropriate with the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Must demonstrate attention to detail.

Work Ethic and Reliability

• Must demonstrate ongoing dependability with task completion and meeting deadlines.
• Able to seek and take advantage of opportunities, meet challenges with resourcefulness and utilize time efficiently.
• Able to adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Able to respond to management direction and follow through on commitments.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness with the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Consistently at work and on time.
• Exhibit exemplary time management, organizational and analytical skills.
• Must conduct day to day activities with integrity.

Qualifications

Additional Information:

• Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Education and/or Experience:Associate or technical degree, High School Diploma, or GED desired; or 4-6 years related experience in manufacturing.  Experience in employee supervision, desired.
• Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job some physical strain such as long periods of standing and walking in production facility and lifting of moderately heavy items up to 50 pounds.  Employees may be subject to random drug and alcohol testing due to operating heavy machinery.
• Work Environment:Work performed in a plant/manufacturing environment.  May be exposed to any number of elements, but with none present to the extent of being disagreeable.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Personal Protective Equipment:Safety glasses must be worn at all times when operating machinery.  Ear plugs and steel-toe boots are recommended.  A respiratory mask is recommended if grinding.

Additional Skills, Abilities and Position Responsibilities:

• Personal attributes of integrity, patience, persuasiveness and dependability are critical to this role.
• Independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize, and organize diversified workload.
• Solid knowledge of CNC machinery, cutting tools, tooling and machining principles.
• Ability to lead, train, support, and supervise individuals.
• Ability to set-up and operate various types of CNC machines and support equipment.