Manufacturing Engineer

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer will develop and optimize manufacturing processes to make a large range of optical and technical glass products. Work is project-orientated and will be done while working on a number of projects, all at various different stages, at any given time. Serves customers by identifying their needs; engineering adaptations of products, equipment, and services. Will analyze and prove out changes to current and new processes, will also present and evaluate the cost effectiveness of any proposed change.

Essential Functions

• Uphold IRD’s Values: Partnership, Innovation, Pride
• Manufacturing Review
  – Review and monitor performance of the manufacturing line
  – Ensuring the process works at the optimum level, to the right rate and quality of output, in order to meet supply needs
  – Ensuring that all aspects of an operation or process meet specified regulations
  – Responsible for defining, control and improving processes
  – Focus on yield improvement
  – Driving force behind efficiency improvements
  – Work with team to define and improve process flow and layouts
  – Problem solve issues with the manufacturing team
  – Applying the principles of optical manufacturing to process and equipment design, including conceptual, scheme and detail design
  – Assessing the availability and quality of raw materials
  – Managing the cost and time constraints of projects
  – Supporting the conversion of small-scale processes into commercially viable large-scale operations
  – Working closely with operators to monitor and improve the efficiency, output and safety of processes
  – Designing, installing and commissioning new production units, monitoring modifications and upgrades, and troubleshooting existing processes
• Data Preparation and Review
  – Preparing reports, flow diagrams and charts, to assess manufacturing productivity;
  – Making observations and taking measurements directly, as well as collecting and interpreting data from the other technical and operating staff involved;
  – Reviewing existing data (also lab analysis) to see if more research and information need to be collated
• Fixturing/Tooling
  – Proposing changes to existing tooling or fixturing
  – Designing new tools and fixtures.
• CNC Programming
  – Wrote programs for various machines (Haas VMC’s, Chevalier grinders etc.)
• Test runs
  – Coordinate test runs on production parts for troubleshooting and improvements
  – Conduct test runs
• Purchasing
  – Order appropriate materials, tools and fixturing through purchasing agent
• First Article Inspection
  – Inspect parts per customer specification
  – Provide appropriate documentation
  – If a part should fail, participate in troubleshooting
• Quoting
  – Advise on manufacturability and order of processes for quoting
• Improvements
  – Enhance job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
  – Suggest and actively participate in improvement projects
  – Complete projects for improved yield, reduced costs, reduced cycle time
  – Conducting process improvement and development experiments
• Safety
  – Assessing the safety and environmental impact of operations
  – Assuming responsibility for risk assessment, including hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies, for the health and safety of both company staff and the wider community;
  – Follow safety measures including handling chemicals safely and wearing PPE
  – 5S and general organization of your area
  – General Cleaning
• Bill of Manufacturing creation and maintenance
  – Make BOMs (Bill of Manufacturing) for production team to utilize when running parts
  – Identify ideal and back up machines for each process step
  – Add detailed information and inspection criteria for each process step
  – Update BOMs as process steps change and efficiencies improve
• Customer Communications
  – Email and phone coordination with customers/vendors to assist as needed
  – Assist in resolution or mitigation of potential issues that arise
• Contractor/Vendor Communications
  – Selecting, managing and working with sub-contractors
• Communicating with the team
  – Communicate updates to the production team/production cell lead
  – Assist staff with math, geometry, measurement
  – Working closely with other personnel responsible for the quality control of raw materials, work in process and finished products
  – Working closely with colleagues on product specifications and production schedules
  – Working with personnel responsible for plant & equipment maintenance
• Other Essential Functions
  – Communicating with upper management and production teams
  – Be able to work independently and be self-motivated
  – Productivity should match or exceed expectations
  – Complete tasks in a timely matter
  – Other duties as assigned

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job an employee may be sitting or standing for 8 or more hours a day, depending on job duties that day. Job duties may be mainly computer based at times, but also standing on the production floor for two or more hours a day. Regularly walking and navigating between areas. The work is done in a climate controlled building. Noise levels are moderate and below OSHA thresholds. Various chemicals are used to complete the tasks at hand and proper PPE must be worn. Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, regularly lifting is less than 30 pounds.

Education/Experience/Skills Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial) or equivalent experience in the engineering field in a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of production flow and machining principles
• Proficient in CAD (Solidworks preferred)
• Strong Math knowledge including trigonometry and statistics
• Knowledge on measurement devices
• The ability to read, interpret and understand blueprints and drawings.
• Time management
• Technical writing
• Written and Verbal Communication skills
• Critically think to solve problems
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Statistical analysis
• Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and Word
• Familiar with Metric and Standard Measurements

Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities Preferred

• 3-5 years’ experience in a manufacturing setting.
• CNC Programming
• LEAN and six sigma training
• Basic CAM knowledge
• Knowledge of Haas, Chevalier, Waterjet programming and operation.
• Ability to run manual mill (Bridgeport) and metal lathe.
• CMM programming
• AOI Vision programming

Questions Contact Rebecca@irdglass.com

IRD Ceramics is an Equal Opportunity Employer