Technician

Barrel TechnicianPosition Summary: The Barrel Technician is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of barrel plating production. This position ensures plated products meet customer and company quality standards while maintaining production efficiency, following work instructions, supporting preventive maintenance, and responding appropriately to quality or production issues. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement. This position requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Production, Maintenance, Process, Quality, and Material Handling teams.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Serve as a 6S best-practice example, modeling safe, organized, and efficient workplace behaviors.Ensure barrel-plated products are manufactured to the highest quality standards.Read and follow WOIDs (Work Instructions) accurately and consistently.Follow established escalation policies and reaction limits to quickly address quality concerns and prevent recurring issues.Perform continuous quality sampling and thickness measurements using designated inspection equipment.Understand customer-specific quality requirements before inspecting products.Understand shift production targets and the impact of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) on performance.Support efficient production line startups and shutdowns to maximize OEE.Perform shift-level preventive maintenance on production barrels and local station equipment.Use machine and production data to analyze results and identify opportunities for improvement.Troubleshoot general production issues in support of Maintenance, Process, and Quality Technicians.Collaborate effectively with other members of the production team.Coordinate with Material Handlers to ensure timely delivery of production materials.Maintain FIFO (First In, First Out) practices to support customer delivery requirements.Execute the quality reject process accurately and consistently.Capture relevant OEE data hourly to support accurate shift reporting.Follow and promote all company safety protocols.Submit Maintenance and Quality Alerts through the ZincIt ERP system.Assist with training new associates as directed by the Barrel Team Leader.Follow emergency procedures as trained by Safety and HR, including fire response procedures.Perform other duties as assigned.Quality & Environmental Responsibilities:Maintain awareness of the company's Management System Policy.Understand company Quality and Environmental Objectives applicable to the plating operation.Understand significant environmental aspects associated with the work area and job responsibilities.Participate in AST internal, customer, and IATF audits as an auditee.Follow all applicable quality, environmental, safety, and operating procedures.Duties Not Authorized for This Position:The Barrel Technician is not authorized to:Change or edit machine recipes.Change chemistry set points or chemistry types.Enter the catwalk area of another machine.Add new personnel or modify work schedules.Perform chemistry additions.Operate a forklift.Enter confined spaces.Workplace Requirements:Required to wear all applicable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) at all times.Must be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds.Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment and perform required physical production activities.Must follow all company safety rules and procedures.Key Performance Measures: Performance will be evaluated based on applicable company and department metrics, including:Quality, Cost, Delivery, Service, and Safety performance.DHEC, ISO/TS 16949, and IATF compliance.MBO goals and objectives.6S, safety, and process audit results.Training and development participation.Attendance and reliability.Suggestion/continuous improvement participation.Safety performance.Disciplinary record and compliance with company policies.Required Qualifications & Skills:Education:Minimum: High school diploma or GED equivalent.Preferred: Industry certifications or training related to automated equipment operation, manufacturing, safety, or quality systems.Experience:Previous manufacturing experience preferred, particularly in a high-volume production environment.Production environment experience preferred.Familiarity with workplace safety regulations and procedures.Basic computer skills and experience with data entry.Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes:Willingness and ability to consistently follow company policies and handbook requirements.Extremely reliable with the ability to work independently.Positive attitude and professional approach to working with others.Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to challenge the status quo.Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, HMIs, and basic hand tools.Strong physical dexterity and coordination.Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ability to work effectively as part of a team.Ability to learn and follow detailed work instructions and quality requirements.Ability to recognize and escalate safety, quality, and production concerns appropriately.Preferred additional training:CPR, First Responder, HAZMAT, or other applicable safety training.Why Join Our Team? This position offers an opportunity to build valuable manufacturing, quality, equipment, and problem-solving skills while contributing directly to a high-performance production team. Successful Barrel Technicians demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, safety awareness, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.