Manufacturing Technician

Position Purpose

Support the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for new and existing products. Support production operations through a blend of engineering, quoting, dimensional inspection, and tooling validation responsibilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and validation of tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions to ensure repeatable and efficient production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, production, and quality to resolve manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in process capability studies, root cause analysis, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Maintain and update process documentation such as work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and control plans.
• Monitor production metrics and recommend improvements to reduce cycle time, scrap, and downtime.
• Responsible for following all established Vaupell policies, standard operating procedures and safety practices.

Quoting & Cost Estimation

• Analyze customer drawings, specifications, and CAD models to determine manufacturing feasibility and cost drivers.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, tooling, and overhead for RFQs/RFPs.
• Create and maintain quote templates and cost models to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to obtain pricing for outsourced components and services.
• Collaborate with sales and program management to align quotes with customer expectations and strategic goals.
• Track quote performance and support post-award reviews to refine future estimating practices.

CMM Inspection & Metrology

• Program and operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) using software such as PC-DMIS or similar platforms.
• Interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to inspection routines.
• Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and generate detailed inspection reports for internal and customer review.
• Perform tool validations and periodic inspections of tools to reduce risk of non-conformances and ensure compliance with standards.
• Record inspection results, flag non-conforming tool/product features and assist in corrective action process to resolve non-compliant features.
• Assist in audits and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling and product validation.
• Maintain calibration and performance logs for CMM equipment and ensure traceability of measurement data.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve dimensional discrepancies and support corrective actions.
• Support efforts to upgrade metrology equipment and capabilities towards defining and achieving automation and technology roadmap and operational excellence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering + 5 years of directly related manufacturing engineering experience or related technical discipline.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing methods, materials, equipment, and quality systems.
• Requires knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in the production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma tools is required.
• CAD proficiency/design background is a plus.
• Must have 5 years of CMM programming experience.
• Candidate must be comfortable working hands-on on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to read, speak, understand and follow instructions in English.
• Must be able to wear and properly use the required personal protective equipment.
• Candidates must be a "US Person" (i.e. US Citizen or Permanent Resident) to ensure Vaupell's compliance with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations).

Environmental Condition

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and vibrations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

This role requires regular mobility and varied body positioning throughout the workday, including standing, walking, and sitting (typically 20–60% of the time), along with frequent bending/twisting and reaching above and below shoulder level. The job involves routine material handling, most commonly lifting and carrying items under 25 lbs and pushing loads under 25 lbs (generally 20–60% of the time); heavier lifting/carrying/pushing (25 lbs and above) may occur occasionally (20% or less). Work also requires frequent use of the hands for grasping, handling, finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination (60% or more), as well as sustained visual and auditory ability (near/far vision, depth/color perception, and hearing) to safely perform inspection, tooling, and floor-support activities.