Technology and Tooling Engineer

JTEKT Column Systems North America•Hopkinsville, KY

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technology and Tooling Engineer is responsible for supporting, developing, and improving manufacturing technology, tooling, CNC equipment, and collaborative robotic (cobot) applications. This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and other technical teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and cost. The Technology and Tooling Engineer will lead CNC and cobot programming activities, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, optimize tooling, support new equipment and product launches, and lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction activities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Engineering, or a related field; OR Currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Manufacturing or Engineering Technology with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical manufacturing role.
Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively using the metric system.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to lead problem-solving teams and improvement activities.
Ability to manage projects, priorities, and timelines.
Ability to work effectively with both technical and hourly production employees.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CNC programming and operation.
Experience with collaborative robots/cobots.
Experience with tooling design and optimization.
Knowledge of perishable tooling, tooling materials, and coatings.
Experience with manufacturing equipment troubleshooting.
Knowledge of preventive maintenance and equipment condition monitoring.
Experience with process validation and tooling tryouts.
Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
Experience with continuous improvement and cost-reduction activities.
Experience working with outside tooling and equipment vendors.
Understanding of Japanese production methods.

Responsibilities

Program and support CNC and collaborative robotic (cobot) equipment.
Lead CNC and cobot programming activities.
Develop and maintain CNC and cobot preventive maintenance plans.
Monitor the condition and performance of CNC equipment, cobots, and end-of-arm tooling.
Troubleshoot CNC, cobot, tooling, and process-related issues.
Train engineers on CNC and cobot programming.
Train Production Team Leaders on CNC operation and perishable tooling use.
Create and maintain "golden part" and "golden cycle" routines for cobot applications.
Optimize perishable tooling to improve tool life, product quality, and cost.
Support tooling design, including material selection and DLC coating.
Evaluate and prescribe appropriate forming lubricants.
Maintain documentation for perishable tooling and manufacturing processes.
Coordinate machine and tooling modifications.
Work with outside vendors on tooling development and purchasing.
Support the purchase of tooling and capital equipment as directed by the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.
Develop countermeasures for safety-related issues.
Assist with the day-to-day resolution of manufacturing equipment and process problems.
Lead problem-solving and cost-reduction activities with technical and hourly associates.
Perform process validation and tooling tryouts.
Support plant layout changes and coordinate movement of equipment.
Assist with procurement of new and used manufacturing equipment.
Document machine capacities and track uptime, downtime, scrap, and efficiency.
Maintain timelines for new product launches and engineering projects.
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
Document and communicate engineering activities throughout the organization.
Request and self-assign work orders to document machine and equipment activities.
Train backup employees on basic machine setup and programming.
Participate in APQP activities, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and other related activities.
Assist Quality with gauge checks, gauge development, and inspection frequencies.
Support customer quality issues, rejections, and development of countermeasures.
Participate in daily manufacturing activities and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.