Lead Technician- Automation_35H2

Suncast Corporation is the leading US-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and industrial markets. A privately held company headquartered in Western Chicago, Illinois, Suncast prides itself on 35 years of innovation and sustainability across a wide range of product categories with materials proudly sourced in the USA. Everything we do is supported by the strength and ingenuity of American workers and we are committed to helping families across the country make the most of their unique spaces. We utilize state-of-the-art machinery and innovative manufacturing techniques to consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality.

The Lead Automation Maintenance Technician 2nd Shift directs the building of machines that assist with the assembly and packing of Suncast products. The Lead must place a strong emphasis on user safety and ergonomic considerations. The Lead must consider the skills of our workforce when building a machine or process. There must also be a focus on ease of maintenance, reliability, and ability to accept part variation with each machine and process.

Responsibilities:
The following duties are considered essential to this position. Other responsibilities may be assigned.

• Review proposed machine designs with other managers to ensure all requirements for the following are met:
• Ensure user safety based on our workforce.
• Ensure production will meet or exceed established quality standards.
• Ensure machines will meet or exceed targeted production numbers.
• Ensure machines are usable, with appropriate training, by our workforce. Machines should not require skills or training beyond what is available with our production workers.
• Ensure machines are readily maintained by our automation maintenance technicians. Special maintenance skills should not be required. Machine design should ensure minimal downtime with foreseeable wear and tear.
• Direct the building of machines and fixtures. Ensure that the machines are ready for use when required by production.
• Install, maintain, and repair production equipment.
• Diagnose problems. Determine what repairs are required and determine the equipment, supplies, and skills needed to complete the repairs.
• Requisition or make components for assigned repairs.
• Study specifications such as blueprints, sketches, or models that describe the machine to be fabricated. Develop a plan to build the machine within budget and by project due date.
• Verify component dimension accuracy throughout the fabrication process.
• Work with Quality Assurance to test machine for production quality.
• Work with production groups to verify dimensions, settings, and alignments.
• Maintain tooling department inventory of expendable supplies such as material stock and common components. Replenish stock to ensure jobs can be completed in a timely basis.
• Understand and use appropriately the technologies of machine design, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, electronics, and PLC programming.
• Develop and lead training classes for automation, maintenance, and production personnel to explain the safe use and maintenance of the equipment.
• Understand thoroughly tool room machining methods and materials.
• Prototype machine concepts when necessary. Review with appropriate personnel to ensure function.
• Develop a network of vendors and other technical experts to assist with cost effective sourcing of components and supplies within given time constraints.
• Read trade journals and technical publications regularly to stay informed of technological changes. The employee should suggest trade shows and seminars that will inform him or her of new techniques and materials.
• Support and comply with all Suncast safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping methods at all times. Suncast policies have been developed to ensure compliance with employee law.
• Although this position does not have supervisory responsibility, it is a leadership position. This employee must be capable of working with other employees, training them in the safe use and maintenance of equipment.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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.

• Automated machine construction experience of seven to ten years required.
• Bachelor or Associate degree in Engineering is desirable.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.