Process Technician

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1B in revenue, and employ more than 7,000 associates worldwide.  At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

The Process Engineering Technician will be a member of the cable Technology team and will be dedicated to improving process performance. He/She will be diligent in applying their skills and experience, driven by data and facts, and comfortable leading teams of operators, technicians, and engineers through projects and problem-solving exercises.

He/She will be accountable for delivering tangible results in support of business plan objectives by implementing improvements, supporting new product industrialization, improving capacity utilization, and managing continuous improvement efforts. 

The position will report to the Process Engineering Manager and may be assigned to specific projects and/or responsibility for all aspects of one or more production processes including the assigned technicians and/or operators.

The position is located at our Duncan, SC manufacturing facility which operates on a seven day, twenty-four schedule. To support operations, off-shift and weekend work will be required at times to meet project deadlines or support operational requirements.

What We Offer: 

• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES                                                                                                                     

• Lead efforts to improve performance and resolve quality issues by rigorously applying methodical problem solving techniques to contain the problem, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Define, measure, and monitor process performance metrics (OEE, Defect Rates, Process RFT, Cp, and Cpk) to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Define critical-to-quality process parameters (speeds, temperatures, pressures) using a Process FMEA and other analytical tools; implement measurement and control systems to ensure the process operates as required to meet product and customer specifications.
• Provide hands-on support for new product industrialization and initial production runs, ensuring that the process is capable of safely producing high quality product that meets specification, productivity, and cost targets. This would typically include specifying and documenting process parameters and tooling.
• Manage daily process quality performance to include the investigation of issues, the disposition of items with defects, and the initiation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Work with internal and external suppliers of materials, equipment, and services to execute projects, resolve problems, and improve processes.
• Select, design, modify, and maintain tooling, fixtures, and equipment as needed to improve safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.
• Develop and maintain process training and certification documentation and work instructions to ensure that operators clearly understand all position requirements.
• Improve housekeeping and safety by applying the 5S principles and participating in audit programs.
• Support business plan objectives to increase productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and enhance safety.
• Identify, justify, plan, and lead continuous improvement, new product development, and capacity expansion projects.
• Lead, participate, and support cross-functional project teams as assigned to achieve required objectives
• Work with the Technology Group to develop future products and processes including evaluating, selecting, and commissioning of process equipment.
• Perform TPM (total productive maintenance) activities on process equipment.
• Maintain and troubleshoot cable printers (ink jet and hot stamp).
• Purchase tooling and supplies for department while maintaining operating budgets.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / COMPETENCIES                                                                                                                     

• Demonstrated ability to solve processing/quality issues as well as improve process output through productivity improvements including changeover reductions and line speed optimization.
• Proficient in problem-solving methodologies.
• Practical understanding of workplace 5S and lean manufacturing principles.
• Driven by facts, analysis, and data.
• Strong leader with the ability to build strong business partnerships.
• Self-starter with integrity and confidence who strives to achieve even the most challenging objectives with limited supervision.
• Team player with well-developed interpersonal skills that is comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional, and multi-cultural environment.
• Results-oriented professional that is comfortable in a challenging professional environment where complex problem solving is required.
• Strong communicator with ability to convey complex issues in simple terms to all levels of the organization.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems including current ISO 9001 standard.
• Potential to grow into positions of increasing responsibility based on results and capabilities.
• Intermediate or higher user of MS Office.
• Strong analytical, time management and technical writing skills.

REQUIREMENTS & EXPERIENCE                                                                                                                     

• Associates degree or higher, preferably in a technical field. Degree requirements may be waived based on sufficient work experience.
• Five plus years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in a lean/JIT/process-driven environment.
• Preferential consideration will be given to those candidates with recent manufacturing experience in fiber optic cable, extrusion, and/or tube mill, metal forming and welding processes.
• Experience leading teams and delivering results using problems-solving methodology.
• Required to support off-shift and/or weekend operations.