R & D CNC Operator/Programmer Tier 2

Objective: The CNC Operator / Programmer Tier 2 creates and modifies CNC programs and operates machines to meet and exceed efficiency goals and to produce parts to meet customer expectations in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of an Associate’s Degree in Tooling & Manufacturing (or similar program); or completion of a college-based or apprenticeship-based Tool & Die or Technician program or certificate; or a minimum of 10 years of skilled experience in tooling and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming
• Ability to train, teach, and assess other CNC Programmer trainees in the Career Path program, working well and leading and mentoring in a team environment
• Experience in the prototype or tool & die trade, specifically programming, setting up and running tooling
• Skilled in machine shop and machining operations
• Proven ability to assist with managing projects and resources effectively, including detailed documentation on tooling issues and component prints
• Excellent problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills
• Ability to pass written and practical tests to obtain company forklift/hi-lo and crane license
• Proven mechanical inclination, general math and manufacturing knowledge, and trouble-shooting skills through standardized assessments
• Computer literacy
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Cannot have a pacemaker
• An excellent work record, including attendance

(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:

Preventative Maintenance/Standard Work:

• Utilize proper feed rates for programming cutter paths, per steel type and geometry, for incoming work.
• Maintain stock in CNC tooling crib with proper cutters and other supplies.
• Record daily work performed and hours in Electronic Asset Management (EAM); review daily work center schedule to ensure projects are completed on time, reporting any significant challenges to management.
• Assist and train other CNC Programmers to ensure all preventative maintenance is scheduled and completed on time, per management’s requirements; perform general preventative maintenance of machines (e.g., changing oils, fluids, filters, and coolant) and maintain documentation.
• Assist in outsourcing work to outside machine shops during overflow situations, and monitor timing and scheduling to ensure jobs are completed on time; order die steels to ensure on-time delivery based on cutting and customer schedules; schedule incoming work and establish due dates based on customer requirements.

• Cross-train on other prototyping equipment and processes, including the Turret Press, CO2 Laser, Fiber Laser, CNC Machines, and Welding.

CNC Programming:

• Program offline using MasterCam and Solidworks software to operate 2D/3D CNC work centers.
• Operate 2D/3D work centers.
• Troubleshoot and repair programs and machining issues as necessary.
• Ensure the Computer Aided Design (CAD) data matches the print. Create new CAD data as needed to match print.

Quality:

• Demonstrate proficient use and maintenance of quality tools; perform quality checks to verify parts meet print specifications prior to removing details from mill; ensure all gages and fixtures are checked and certified, per company standards.
• Adhere to the quality policy as it relates to prototypes; maintain prototype quality records; prepare all prototype jobs for shipment to customers.

• Use available quality data (Statistical Process Control, Coordinate Measuring Machine checks, fixtures, controls plans, and visual inspections) to verify that parts meet quality requirements.
• Validate process parameters and enter system deviations, when applicable.
• Validate processing methods, including those used by other CNC Programmers, to ensure that quality parts are produced.

Continuous Improvement/Lean Principles:

• Monitor and improve the efficiency of CNC mills and identify areas to improve the overall performance and speed by continually reducing setup times and increasing program efficiency.
• Work with outside suppliers on testing new technologies to ensure company is “State of the Art” in the machining community.

• Increase personal and departmental efficiency.
• Participate in and support lean initiatives, continuous improvement, and problem-solving events; document savings, consolidate processes, and eliminate operations. Identify and attempt to eliminate areas of waste.
• Anticipate problems and work to eliminate them before they happen.
• Follow up temporary fixes with permanent corrective actions.
• Participate in 8D or 5-Why problem solving teams, die improvements, and die reviews.

Safety/5S:

• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, TS 16949 and safety regulations.
• Safely use hi-lo/forklift and cranes to load and transport dies, maintaining licenses and inspection sheets.
• Follow all safety procedures, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), controls, safety devices, lock-out/tag-out, use of coolants, and die block procedures.
• Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action. Ensure environment is free of avoidable risks, and report concerns immediately, taking appropriate action to immediately rectify and resolve.

• Store and maintain current CNC programs and files in a consistent and organized manner. Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area and press room area per 5S standards.

Dependability/Teamwork:

• Perform support activities as directed by the Team Leader; perform other duties as required to support Research and Development and Production needs.

• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management, including training and appraising the work of other CNC Programmers, as appropriate.
• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives. Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner, seeking clarification for complete understanding for job independence and elimination of waste. Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Ownership, We Can If….Safety) daily, through thoughts and actions.