Automated Assembly Operator - PM Shift

Job Description: Automated Assembly Operator

Stabilus is a global leader in the production of gas springs and dampers on five continents. Our products can be used in a wide variety of industries, such as the automotive and office chair manufacturing industries, furniture technology, solar industry, medical technology, and many other industrial applications. This position will be located in our U.S. Headquarters in Gastonia, NC.

Job Summary:

The Maintenance Automated Assembly Operator will work in our Main Assembly area running production equipment used in the manufacture of Gas Springs. The position is located in a highly automated and fast-paced production facility so potential operators must work quickly and efficiently. Excellent communication skills are required. Qualified candidates will need to have previous manufacturing experience operating automated production equipment, the ability to read blueprints,

Currently, we openings available on p.m. shifts. The shifts are 12 hour shifts which always stay on a p.m. schedule. The shifts are on a 3-2-2-3 schedule which means: 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off in a repeating pattern. Training typically takes 2-3 months and will be done on an a.m. shift. Applicants should have some flexibility to accommodate changes in the schedule based on company needs.

Objectives

The incumbent operator(s) are responsible for the following general principles of assigned equipment:

• Daily production output- It is the incumbent’s responsibility to attain production rates as defined by the company business plan and in conjunction with the defined departmental objectives by the Focus Area Manager. Daily production target is 88% OEE
• Daily Internal Scrap Control- It is the incumbent’s responsibility to maintain an internal scrap level defined by the company business plan and in conjunction with the defined departmental objectives by the Focus Area Manager. The internal scrap targets can be found posted on the department production boards and on the individual work centers
• Daily 7S condition of machine/area- It is the incumbent’s responsibility to maintain acceptable 5S conditions within the assigned area. 7S includes: spare tooling, paperwork, cleanliness of machine, cleanliness of work area etc.

Main Tasks

1. Production:

• Attain daily production output of at least 88%
• Follow production schedule to the assigned sequence unless instructed otherwise by the shift supervisor
• Maintain accurate and timely production/downtime records- APU reports, production database, SAP entries
• Call in maintenance work orders as soon as machine stops for mechanical or electrical issues
• Understand and maintain cycle time standards
• Inform shift Engineer or Supervisor of any issues on the machine to be worked on during PM using proper written document (open items form or work order) and machine structure reference
• Work with new operators to develop increased skill sets
• Complete QAP verification within the defined times and frequencies
• Participation in production improvement meetings as requested
• Participation with any capability studies and/or pilots scheduled to assigned machine
• Immediate feedback to shift Supervisor or Engineer with recognizable or unavoidable deviations to stated department objectives
• Comply with all Stabilus and OSHA safety regulations and systems in and around machine

1. Quality:

• Complete all quality checks within the defined time and frequency as stated on the QAP form.
• Stop the machine and make corrective measure to product found to be NOK
• Contain all NOK product (go back to last known accepted check)
• Complete Hold Tag forms for all NOK product- document as much information as possible
• Monitor internal scrap and rework- do not exceed posted levels
• Analyze all SOE scrap- parts should be cut open and findings to be documented on the scrap form or a Spill Report (if over documented maximum scrap level)
• Properly enter all scrap into SAP. Attach scrap form to product
• Participation with 8D and/or Corrective Measure meetings as requested
• Immediate feedback to shift Supervisor or Engineer with recognizable or unavoidable deviations to stated company objectives

1. 7S:

• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• All spare tooling at machine should be functional and in the proper tool holder
• Rebuild or return any NOK tooling
• All product components should be in a labeled location and covered
• Report any 7S violations to shift Supervisor immediately
• Immediate feedback to shift Supervisor or Engineer with recognizable or unavoidable deviations to stated company objectives

1. Preventative Maintenance

• Complete scheduled weekly PM checks as assigned by the PM coordinator or Engineer
• Participate in Service Mission activities on assigned machines

1. Safety/Environmental

• Participation and observance of all the rules of Safety and Environmental Protection
• Immediate feedback to shift Supervisor or Engineer with recognizable or unavoidable deviations to stated company objectives

Secondary Tasks

• Any additional task assigned by the Shift Supervisor, Engineer or Department Manager

Education, Training, Certifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Electronics / Electrical background from a trade school, military training, or alternatively, automotive certification or mechanical training
• Requires skill in the use of basic hand, shop, and power tools
• Requires the ability to read and interpret product drawings and blueprints

Experience

• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably maintenance

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Requires ability to set up, adjust, operate, and maintain an automatic LOM assembly machine and corresponding automatic rivet line.
• Must be familiar with entire product line and all related component parts.
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering design sheets
• Must be familiar with company quality standards and be skilled in the use of quality test equipment
• Must be able to analyze the machine statistical data and make the necessary machine adjustment
• Must be able to troubleshoot and repair minor machine components

*Six to twelve months work experience would be required to become proficient in most aspects of this job.

Accountability / Impact of Errors

• Sets up, adjusts, operates, and maintains equipment where damage could occur, although unlikely under normal circumstances. Potential damage could be extensive and costly.
• Errors in judgment would cause delays, or erroneous decisions may result in schedule delays, product movement problems, customer dissatisfaction, rework or cost overruns.
• Impact of errors will have a serious impact on the overall success of the Company operations.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to dust, oil, grease, nitrogen, excessive noise levels, heat, etc.
• Standing, reaching, bending, climbing, and lifting are required
• May work in awkward positions for periods of time

• Must be able to lift and carry 35 lbs. and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull weight in excess of 500 lbs. on wheels.