Automation Technician

This position is for our OH plant that opens July 2025. This will be an opportunity to be part of the initial team to set up our 2nd factory in the US and build Viega's brand in the community. It provides an innovative work environment in one of the most sustainable factories in OH. Comprehensive training will be provided in McPherson, KS, 6 months prior to plant opening with accommodation cost covered. Local housing and transportation will be provided and covered by company during the training period. Details associated with the relocation package, local housing, and transportation, and/or short-term international travel requirements will be defined in the offer letter based on the role if an offer is extended.

We provide a $3,000 employee referral bonus if you refer a candidate to Viega that gets hired.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Responsible for ensuring machines are operating at peak levels of quality and efficiency; driving improvements through the continuous improvement process; developing, training and motivating other team members through knowledge and expertise.

JOB DESCRIPTION DETAILS

Leadership

• Provides leadership to other team members based on strong knowledge of and experience with processes and equipment.
• Develop, implement and maintain training procedures.
• Train and develop new employees. This may require temporary assignment to other shifts.

Production

• Completes changeover of machines for production runs.
• Monitors machines per control plan to ensure the process is running according to specification.
• Relieves operators and fills in for supervisors as needed.
• Maintains set-up records for each machine and products produced; submits first article inspection parts to quality for approval.
• Possesses a high level of knowledge about all processes used throughout the department. This includes material handling, system transactions, quality testing and reporting, emergency procedures, etc.
• Makes minor mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines. Notifies leadership when major service is required.
• Assembles equipment and tooling for scheduled production runs.
• Answers equipment alarms.
• Observes machine operation to detect work piece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
• Ensures efficient production to help ensure the achievement of production scrap and OEE goals.
• Safely and efficiently shuts down equipment.
• Possesses some knowledge about all equipment used throughout the manufacturing process. This includes machinery, auxiliary equipment, tooling, electrical components, controllers, relevant lab equipment, etc.

Continuous Improvement

• Formally communicates production information to Supervisor on a daily basis via production boards.
• Drives improvements in production through Viega’s continuous improvement process.
• Suggests equipment and tooling improvements based on production experience and results.
• Drives root cause analysis and proper corrective actions.

Tooling

• Inspect tooling before and after production runs to ensure quality. Communicates any issues to the appropriate tooling department, quality and leadership as needed.
• Capable of performing some preventative maintenance on tooling including but not limited to: complete tear down, cleaning and greasing, visual inspection and complete assembly.

Administrative

• Maintain documentation on processing and tooling issues.
• Ensure company policies and guidelines are being followed.
• Recommend improvements to policies and procedures aimed at improving efficiency, safety, quality, etc.
• Ensures team members maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Helps maintain appropriate records such as shift logs, QMS documents, etc.

Quality and Recordkeeping

• Process and control any non-conformance defects with production parts.
• Update and maintain necessary documentation.

Cleaning and Area Upkeep

• Ensure a clean and safe work environment.
• Perform the 6S activities (sort, straighten, shine, standardize, sustain and safety) to organize and manage work stations.
• Assists in daily cleaning and maintenance of production area, machinery, tooling, etc.
• Help ensure tooling is put away in the proper location.

Other

• Attends operational and safety meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as required and/or assign.

Special Job Dimensions

• May be required to work different shifts as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of companies’ policies and procedures regarding health and safety issues
• Ability to carry out instructions in written, verbal and diagram form
• Ability to prioritize and resolve problems
• Ability to comply with quality system procedures
• Proficient in MS Office suite
• Experience in SAP
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work with little supervision
• Good communication skills
• Ability to solve problems and make quick decisions
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to perform with superior service, reflecting a positive company image while sustaining a positive attitude with those you interact with; always going above and beyond to help others out, regardless of their position or department.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standards of quality while continually performing at the highest possible level.

Education, Certification/License & Work Experience

• High School Education or equivalent
• 3-5+ years of manufacturing experience and prior experience running automated equipment (i.e. - robotics, packaging or assembly cells).
• Experience working with HMI controls
• Able to problem solve, identify and correct machine failures.
• Experience with SOP and set-point tracking is preferred

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.