Engineering Technician

DAKOTALAND MANUFACTURING•Watertown, SD

91d

About The Position

The Engineering Technician supports both engineering and production by ensuring parts are manufactured to specification with safety, quality, and efficiency. This role focuses on problem-solving, process improvement, tooling management, and documentation, while also assisting with quoting and new product introduction. The Technician must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and effective at cross-functional communication, consistently supporting the company’s Vision, Mission, and Values through UPSCALE.

Requirements

Associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling/Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
Proficiency in interpreting GD&T drawings, engineering specifications, and BOMs.
Strong knowledge of machining fundamentals, including materials, feeds/speeds, tool selection, work holding, cutter geometry, and surface finish requirements.
Experience with CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM) and G-code programming concepts.
Skilled in metrology and inspection methods (CMM, height gauges, micrometers, SPC).
Familiarity with ERP/MES systems for routing, scheduling, and production reporting.
Basic mechanical, electrical, and automation troubleshooting; exposure to PLC/motion control is a plus.
3+ years in a manufacturing environment with hands-on CNC machining and fabrication; experience with multiple CNC controls Okuma and Trumpf is preferred.
Demonstrates a commitment to Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) thinking, building strong processes while continuously seeking ways to improve them.
Driven by a continuous improvement mindset, consistently challenging the status quo and striving for better results.
Able to analyze problems from multiple perspectives, gathering input to develop creative and effective solutions.
Maintains a customer-service mindset, ensuring production teams have the tools, resources, and support needed to work safely, efficiently, and with exceptional quality.
Physically able to sit, stand, and walk as required to perform the essential functions of the role in both office and production environments.

Nice To Haves

experience with multiple CNC controls Okuma and Trumpf is preferred.
exposure to PLC/motion control is a plus.

Responsibilities

Operate, set up, program, and troubleshoot CNC machines (mills, lathes, routers) and secondary fabrication equipment (saws, presses, welders, grinders) to produce precision parts.
Develop and optimize CNC programs using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, GibbsCAM) to ensure efficient toolpaths, cycle times, and part quality.
Select and set up fixturing, tooling, probes, and alignment processes; determine cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and coatings based on material and geometry.
Create and maintain machining routes, setup sheets, process parameters, inspection plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Collaborate with design engineers and product teams to interpret blueprints, GD&T drawings, BOMs, and work instructions; identify manufacturability concerns and recommend improvements.
Support new product introductions (NPIs) by evaluating tooling, fixtures, process capabilities, and ramp plans; assist with pilot runs and capability studies (Cp, Cpk).
Perform first article inspections (FAI) and in-process quality checks using metrology tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, height gauges, surface plates, optical comparators).
Document results, track scrap and quality metrics, and implement corrective actions to maintain product conformance.
Troubleshoot production issues (e.g., tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift, part-to-part variation) and apply countermeasures such as tooling adjustments, parameter changes, or maintenance actions.
Maintain and troubleshoot CNC machines and fabrication equipment; coordinate preventive maintenance with the maintenance team.
Record downtime events, analyze root causes, and implement reliability improvements.
Lead or participate in Lean manufacturing initiatives (5S, SMED, Kaizen) to reduce setup times, waste, and cycle times.
Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards; consistently follow company policies and regulatory requirements.
Mentor and train operators and new technicians on machining processes, setups, and inspection techniques.
Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous skills development.
Prepare and present status reports on production performance, downtime, and improvement initiatives.