Automation Prototype Machinist

Machinist

The Machinist is responsible for creating various work tools, fixtures, gages, and other tooling for use in device care centers and automation projects. The person in this role will ensure that custom tooling is manufactured according to engineering drawings; the methods involved in making such work-aids can be machined, fabricated, or assembled. The role will work with the various engineering teams to make necessary process-related equipment (and new automation builds) using various types of machinery. The machinist will schedule and prioritize jobs for the various business sectors and device care centers. The person in this role will support multiple sites and will share responsibility across process and automation teams.

This is an onsite role in our Mt. Juliet TN facility with a schedule of Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM.

What will be my duties and responsibilities in this job?

• Machine and manufacture tooling using equipment such as, but not limited to, lathes, surface grinders, mills, CNC-controlled vertical milling centers, bandsaws, welders, etc.
• Serialize and optimize parts builds and process tools used in device remanufacturing and device repair for large-volume builds (such as trays, fixtures, nesting devices, custom automation holders/arms/mechanical parts)
• Make one-of-a-kind and single-piece prototypes for the construction of new equipment and new process standup
• Evaluate piece part construction for optimum efficiency and fastest throughput
• Evaluate and recommend materials for parts builds with the engineering team (example: plastics, composites, metal and their various alloys for hardening, tempering, annealing, malleability, etc)
• Read and interpret blueprints, design schematics, and CAD drawings
• Design jigs and templates as work aids when only directional instructions provided
• Measure and mark metal stock for machining
• Set up machine tools such as drills, lathes, grinders, and milling machines; create standards and standard work such as material-specific spindle speeds, operating procedure, etc.
• Fit and assemble tooling as required
• Inspect finished tooling for defects, smoothness, contour deformities and other surface requirements
• Conduct trial runs of new tooling when applicable
• Participate in lean/six sigma process improvement initiatives and Kaizen events centered around process tooling and work aids
• Recommend material selection and understand the mechanics of materials used in manufacturing various pieces of process tooling
• Participate and support both the reverse logistics and repairs sides of the business, splitting equal time (approx) between new equipment standup and overall manufacturing need; work with both automation engineering teams and process improvement teams
• Recommend a repair/replace interval for process tooling and determine lifetime use for items such as jigs, fixtures, tooling and gaging
• Sharpen, recondition, or rework tooling on a periodic basis, as determined by engineering and process methodology.
• Ensure tooling is safe for deployment with zero danger of misuse or injury to associates and other personnel.
• Collaborate with plant and leadership team, customers, suppliers, and production floor personnel to identify and facilitate projects to improve key performance indicators (KPI's)

What are the requirements needed for this position?

• Associates/Technical/Trade degree with a minimum of 8 years of related industry experience and/or equivalent industry experience (10+ years)
• Environment/Physical Demands: This position requires incumbents to regularly stand at a machine and operate to manufacture custom tooling and parts. Toolmaker would occasionally lift, carry and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• 5% Travel or less
• Understanding machine code and the ability to program CNC equipment by extrapolating, manipulating, and generating g-code (offsets, compensation, planes, etc)
• Ability to multitask in a fast paced, dynamic assembly and logistics environment
• Proficient with mills, lathes, grinders, welders, cutting saws, etc.
• Strong understanding of material properties and limitations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Basic understanding of simple mathematics and some trigonometric functions
• Advanced understanding and experience using various measurement devices such as, but not limited to, calipers, depth gages, telescopic gages, micrometers, etc

What other skills/experience would be helpful to have?

• Strong focus with continuous improvement
• Experience with welding and brazing techniques is a plus
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies is highly desirable
• Background in reverse logistics, particularly involving consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones, tablets, smartwatches), is beneficial
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Self-motivated with a proactive mindset, deadline awareness, and a focus on achieving key performance indicators