Robot Assembly Lead, Reconditioning - 1st Shift

About the role

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. This role will be onsite 5 days a week out of our Juneau, Wisconsin office. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.

The Robot Assembly Lead will coordinate the efforts of their respective lines to match daily production and quality requirements. This includes managing assembly Team Member allocation, material requirements, operator rotation, and line-side material handling. The Robot Assembly Lead reports to the Production Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Prepares assembly area/line for work, ensuring components and tools are ready and in good condition
• Follows work instructions and reports any errors or inconsistencies to Engineering or Management
• Demonstrates the willingness and ability to perform all functions of the assembly process
• Performs final verifications of orders and QC analysis of products
• Packs product for shipment and communicates completed orders
• Ensures associates are focused on delivering high-quality products to enhance the customer experience
• Develops KanBan processes with team members
• Demonstrates flexibility by adapting to changing production demands and priorities
• Ability to move between multiple production lines and products throughout the day
• Performs all duties, specified and otherwise, in a safe, constructive manner
• Helps contribute to safety initiatives such as reporting incidents, near-misses, and promoting a zero-incident environment
• Ensures the department is kept clean, organized, and neat
• Contributes to building a quality work environment by taking initiative, respecting others, being a team player, and cleaning the work area
• Participates and leads associates in the Whisker Way continual improvement journey
• Builds positive working relationships with coworkers to foster good morale and cooperation
• Helps plan, coordinate, and delegate work responsibilities to the production team
• Coordinates the flow of work within or between lines and departments to maximize production
• Communicates between departments to share pertinent information and optimize plant results
• Evaluates the availability and capability of workers, parts, materials, and equipment
• Trains employees on proper practices, processes, and cultural expectations to ensure effective results
• Helps coach and mentor team members on the production floor
• Cross-trains within other departments to provide coverage or assistance
• Elevates concerns and issues to peers and management
• Fills in for the Production Supervisor as needed
• Performs additional duties as required

Requirements

• High school education or a two-year technical degree or equivalent work experience is required
• An excellent attendance record is required because the department is small and impactful
• Must have 6 or more months of continuous employment with Whisker
• Must not have received a written warning or above in the last 6 months
• Demonstrates the ability to follow directions and effectively use hand and power tools
• Possesses strong mechanical aptitude, dexterity, and a high degree of initiative
• Maintains a positive, professional attitude and works efficiently with attention to detail and organization
• Eager to learn and grow, with a willingness to explore various areas of the company
• Committed to excellent attendance, confidentiality, and high performance under pressure
• Collaborative team player who supports others, holds self and teammates accountable, and fosters a constructive, respectful environment
• Skilled in providing clear coaching and feedback while building cooperative working relationships
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, maintaining professionalism and composure
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs)

Nice to Have

• Working experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred
• Working experience as a Team Lead

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical requirements outlined below are representative of those necessary for a Team Member to perform the essential duties of this position effectively.

• Regularly required to stand and communicate by talking or hearing
• Frequent use of hands for handling or sensing objects is expected
• Standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms are required
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 45 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds
• Visual requirements include the ability to see up close, at a distance, peripherally, and in depth, as well as the ability to adjust focus

The work environment conditions described here reflect those typically encountered while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may also be made in this context for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program