Essential Responsibilities FIP Machine Operation & Process Control
- Set up, operate, and monitor FIP gasket equipment used to apply gasket material to doors, side panels, and other components.
- Operate the machine's PLC and control system, including selecting, creating, modifying, and saving jobs for various parts.
- Verify proper machine setup, job selection, material settings, and operating parameters prior to beginning production.
- Monitor machine operation and make appropriate adjustments to maintain consistent gasket placement and product quality.
- Understand machine set points and recognize abnormal operating conditions that could affect equipment, production, or product quality.
- Minimize material waste, downtime, equipment damage, and nonconforming products through proper process control.
Troubleshooting & Equipment Maintenance
- Identify and troubleshoot machine faults, alarms, error codes, and process issues.
- Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of the FIP system, including the application nozzle and associated equipment.
- Understand the three-component chemical system used by the FIP equipment and recognize conditions that may affect material flow, application, or gasket quality.
- Communicate equipment issues that cannot be resolved at the operator level to Maintenance or appropriate supervisory personnel.
Quality, Blueprint Reading & Measurement
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and product specifications.
- Verify proper gasket placement, dimensions, measurements, and finished-product quality.
- Use calipers and other measuring equipment accurately.
- Apply strong math and measurement skills to ensure products meet established specifications.
- Identify and communicate quality concerns or nonconforming conditions.
Material Management
- Monitor FIP chemical and material levels to ensure adequate supplies are available for scheduled production.
- Recognize material conditions that could negatively affect machine performance or finished-product quality.
- Communicate replenishment needs and material concerns before they impact production.
Assembly & Production Support
- Safely and effectively use hand tools and other equipment required for machine setup, adjustments, minor maintenance, assembly, and production activities.
- Assist with assembly and other production activities as needed to support departmental and plant requirements.
- Maintain awareness of production priorities and upcoming jobs to ensure required components are completed on schedule.
- Review work orders, production information, and schedules to anticipate upcoming requirements and prioritize work accordingly.
Shipping & Material Coordination
- Prepare completed products and materials for shipment.
- Complete required billing and shipping documentation.
- Verify shipment quantities and ensure the correct number of parts, skids, and components are prepared for each shipment.
- Locate jobs, work orders, components, and materials throughout the facility and determine their status when information is not readily available.
- Maintain awareness of incoming and outgoing truck schedules and shipping priorities.
- Coordinate loading, paperwork, shipment information, and other shipping requirements with truck drivers and internal personnel.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies involving work orders, quantities, material locations, and shipment requirements.
Communication & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Communicate effectively with Production, Shipping, Maintenance, Supervision, and other departments.
- Proactively identify upcoming production or shipping needs that could affect schedules.
- Maintain sufficient knowledge of related production and shipping processes to provide support when needed.
- Assist with or provide basic training to employees on FIP machine operation, shipping procedures, work order identification, and other responsibilities within the scope of the position.
Required Qualifications
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and specifications.
- Strong mathematical and measurement skills.
- Ability to properly use calipers and other measuring equipment.
- Ability to operate and navigate PLC and machine-control systems.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
- Ability to safely and effectively use hand tools.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
- Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
- Ability to independently locate information, work orders, parts, and materials.
- Ability to effectively coordinate with multiple departments and manage changing priorities.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to frequently lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, grasp, and safely handle parts, materials, tools, and equipment.
- Ability to safely perform work associated with FIP operations, assembly, production, and shipping.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and established work practices.
- Properly use all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves, and additional PPE required when working with FIP chemicals or equipment.
- Follow established procedures for the safe handling, use, and storage of chemicals associated with the FIP process.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
- Report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential hazards to the appropriate personnel.
Key Competencies
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Technical Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Quality Focus
- Organization & Time Management
- Communication
- Production Coordination
- Shipping Coordination
- Independent Decision-Making
- Adaptability & Prioritization