Automation Technician I - 1st Shift

Job-ID: 16955; Location(s): McPherson KS 

Job Description Summary

The Automation Technician is responsible for ensuring machines and processes are operating at peak levels of quality and efficiency, performing preventative maintenance, and driving improvements through continuous improvement processes; developing, training, and motivating other team members through knowledge and experience.

What you'll do:

Leadership

• Provides leadership to other team members based on strong knowledge of and experience with processes and equipment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain training procedures.
• Train and develop other team members. This may require temporary assignment to other shifts.

Production

• Monitor machines per control plan to ensure the process is running according to specification.
• Relieve operators and fills in as needed.
• Create and maintain set-up and parameter records for each machine and product produced
• Create and maintain autonomous maintenance plans
• Make minor mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines. Notifies leadership when major service is required.
• Respond to, diagnose, and troubleshoot equipment alarms and faults.
• Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
• Perform PMs on all automation equipment
• Ensure efficient production to help meet production KPIs.
• Possess a high level of knowledge about all processes used throughout the department. This includes material handling, system transactions, quality testing and reporting, emergency procedures, etc.
• Possess technical knowledge about all equipment used throughout the manufacturing process. This includes machinery, auxiliary equipment, tooling, electrical components, controllers, relevant lab and quality equipment, etc.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in production through Viega’s continuous improvement process.
• Suggest equipment and tooling improvements based on production experience and results.
• Drive root cause analysis and proper corrective actions.

Tooling

• Possess technical knowledge of tooling used in automation processes. Communicates any issues to the appropriate tooling, engineering, quality, and leadership support teams as needed.
• Capable of performing some preventative maintenance on tooling, including but not limited to complete tear down, cleaning and greasing, visual inspection, and complete assembly.

Administrative

• Maintain documentation on processing and tooling issues.
• Ensure company policies and guidelines are being followed.
• Recommend improvements to policies and procedures aimed at improving efficiency, safety, quality, etc.
• Helps maintain appropriate records such as shift logs, QMS documents, etc.
• Utilize maintenance software for record keeping and processing maintenance tasks related to automation equipment

Quality

• Process and control any non-conformance defects with production parts. 
• Update and maintain necessary documentation.
• Ensure company quality standards are met

Cleaning and Area Upkeep

• Ensure a clean and safe work environment.
• Perform the daily 6S activities (sort, straighten, shine, standardize, sustain and safety) to organize and manage workstations and production areas. 

Other

•  Attends operational and safety meetings as required.
•  Performs other duties as required and/or assigned.
•  May be required to work different shifts
•  May require travel, including international, up to 20% of the time.

What we're looking for:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of companies’ policies and procedures regarding health and safety issues
• Ability to carry out instructions in written, verbal and diagram form
• Ability to prioritize and resolve problems
• Ability to comply with quality system procedures
• Proficient in MS Office suite
• Experience in SAP
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work with little supervision
• Good communication skills
• Ability to solve problems and make quick decisions
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to perform with superior service, reflecting a positive company image while sustaining a positive attitude with those you interact with; always going above and beyond to help others out, regardless of their position or department
• Ability to adhere to the highest standards of quality while continually performing at the highest possible level

Education, Certification/License & Work Experience

• High School Education or equivalent
• 1-3 years of troubleshooting machines, setting up machines, change over on machines, and making sure machines are running smoothly in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Automation experience 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Wondering if you should apply? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Viega, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but don’t check every box in the qualifications section, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other positions we have in the future.

Total Rewards Package:

Compensation

• Base: $22.00 - $26.00 hourly, based on specific compensable factors including, but not limited to education, work experience, and geographic market.
• Bonus: This role will be eligible for participation in a discretionary annual bonus program, pursuant to which an employee may be awarded a percentage of their salary based on the company’s performance and their own individual performance.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Wellness Program
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Voluntary Benefits (Life, AD&D, Disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7.5% company contribution
• Time Off Programs – 22 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 9 Company Holidays, 2 Volunteer Days

Your contact person:

Christopher Welsh  -  christopher.welsh@viega.us - +1 (620) 798-9019 

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