Production Tech - Swing Shift

About the role

The Production Technician role encompasses all direct labor positions within the Assembly department. Technicians are responsible for following written and oral instructions to perform a variety of assembly operations to assemble small parts into functioning knives. This may include Laser/Engrave, Serrate, Sharpening, Clean/Box, Prep, Material Handling, Taumel, Assembly, and other processes within the Assembly department. This role performs fittings and alignments to ensure free action of moveable parts. The Technician also performs cosmetic inspection of the components as they are assembling in order to ensure a high-quality standard. Once inspected, the Technician tests the knife to ensure functionality and performs minor troubleshooting of any problems. This includes meeting established production, quality, and performance metrics and communicating issues immediately to their lead or process technicians if an issue is to arise.

Responsibilities

• Assemble knives from components using small manual and semi-automatic hand tools and fixtures.
• Visually inspect parts used in knife assembly to ensure they meet cosmetic requirements.
• Perform minor troubleshooting of problems while assembling components.
• Use Andon signals to notify the lead of any issues.
• Complete required documentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of work area.
• May be moved throughout department to support department needs.
• Participate in cross-training at various assembly functions, including prepping sub-assemblies, laser mark and serration, sharpening, or cleaning and packaging of sharpened knives.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement teams and support a continuous improvement culture in the area by striving to help meet the department’s challenges while working towards the company vision.
• Consistently meet daily production, cycle time, quality, and safety requirements.
• Sustain proficient level or higher for all categories described as necessary in the skills matrix for this position.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent, and 3-4 years of general manufacturing experience is required.
• Good manual dexterity and ability to handle and assemble small parts.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical assembly problems on all sku types.
• Ability to execute Assembly processes of any knife sku in a safe manner while performing at the current production goal for quality and quantity.
• Ability to work in a flow line and meet fast-paced production rates.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in performing subjective inspections such as cosmetic criteria and determining knife functionality (smooth opening, detent force, blade stability).
• Basic Computer skills a plus.

Working Conditions

• Working Environment: Production floor
• Position Physical Demands: Lifting up to 25 lbs., sitting and standing for long periods of time.
• Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 5% of the time.
• Standard PPE is required for this position including: Grinding, pressing, or basic assembly could produce flying particles of metal which can cause eye and skin injuries. Wear safety glasses.
• Falling objects could present a foot hazard. Closed-toed shoes are always required for all positions in the manufacturing area.
• Some positions may require safety toe and metatarsal protection.
• Handling sharp blades can cause lacerations and punctures of the hands and fingers. Cut resistant gloves are available for handling sharp knives.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment (exposure to noise, coolants, abrasives, heat, adhesives, and automated and manual equipment).
• Shifts may be 8 to 10 hours in length. Overtime may be required.
• Some temporary shift changes may be required.