Press/Forge Operator - Lead

POSITION SUMMARY: Proficiently performs all functions of NWI Press/Forge Operator. The Press/Forge Operator-Lead is the technical focal for the work area and assists the Plant Operations Manager in departmental operations and support. Successful candidate must be hardworking and detail oriented with a strong work ethic and exemplary communication skills.Day Shift: Mon - Thurs with occasional weekend overtime required (based on customer demand)ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES include the following: other duties may be assigned.Technical Duties of NWI Press/Forge OperatorSet up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging; by flattening, straightening, bending, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metalRead work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup. Test and compare finished work pieces to specifications. Document production numbers. Confer with the Quality Department to ensure finished work pieces meet the print specifications.Trim finished forgings to specified tolerances.Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, spacers, guide rings, punches and specified dies to rams and bolsters plates.Install, adjust, and remove dies, using hydraulic power arms, forklifts or other hoisting devices. Use hand tools to secure tooling.Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.Ensure presses and tooling is set up for the oncoming shift.Use PLC controlled touch screens or manual control stations to start, stop the press drive motor and lube system as well as adjust slide height to achieve proper shunt height to ensure proper tooling depth in part when strike occurs.Use strong communication skills when working with Tong Operator to synchronize parts in and out of the ovens. Use in-house lubricant to lube tooling between hits.Maintain tooling, and replace parts as needed to ensure tooling life and proper finished work pieces.Use chart recorders to monitor and record furnace temperatures.Use calipers, outside micrometer, and dial indicator to perform in-process quality inspections to ensure print specifications are being followed.Continuously monitor and physically inspect production equipment. Notify maintenance if issues are noticed.Dismantle and reassemble product setups (tooling) as needed to follow forging scheduling.Provide back-up support to Tong Operators as needed.Document job process, press set up, furnace temps, part serial numbers, part dimensions.Sandblast finished parts as needed.Uphold Good Manufacturing Practices, Housekeeping and Safety Practices.Identify and resolve issues with machinery and processes to ensure smooth operations, troubleshoot to maintain productivity and efficiency.Employee Management & DevelopmentEnsures technical orientation and training of new employeesEnsures technical training and development of new employeesAssists Plant Operations Manager with writing quarterly and annual performance reviews per the review schedule developed by HRContributes to a supportive and productive work environmentGuides team members on a daily basis and outlines tasks to be completed in a timely mannerCollaborates with the Plant Operations Manager and Planner to determine production needs and assists the Plant Operations Manager with positioning team members accordingly to ensure efficient output of productionCustomer SupportProduces products and services to customer requirementsProduces products and services on time while adhering to the production schedule developed by the PlannerProduces products and services of highest qualityParticipates in interdepartmental problem-solving as required to ensure Continuous ImprovementSocial Responsibility Contributes to a safe work environmentContributes to a clean work environmentPerforms to external and legislative requirements by referring issues in any of the following areas to upper management for action:OSHA requirements affecting the work areaEPA requirements affecting the work areaWage & Hour timekeeping issuesPerforms to external organizational and legislative requirements in the area of Workers Compensation by ensuring reporting of all accidents/near misses and participating in accident investigation as requiredEffectively collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve complex issuesOperating Margin ManagementMaximizes productivity and minimizes costMinimizes scrapMinimizes consumable costsIdentifies Continuous Improvement opportunitiesAddress issues promptly and effectively to minimize downtime and maximize productivityUse strong analytical skills to diagnose and pinpoint discrepancies in processes or machinery operationTool ManagementMaintain efficient storage and organization of tooling to optimize production processesMaintain accurate inventory records and tracking of tooling usage and availabilityEnsure clean and orderly storage area to ensure quick access to tools and prevent damage or lossCategorize tools based on their type, size, and/or function and use clear labeling to identify each item easilyOrganize tooling in way that prioritizes safety, reducing risk of accidents or injuriesProvide storage solutions that maximize available space while keeping tools easily accessibleRegularly review and update the tool storage system to adapt to changing production needs and to improve overall efficiencyAccountabilities Of All EmployeesUsing your best efforts and full capability daily to the work assigned to you by your managerAdvising your manager if you do not understand the work they have assigned to you, or if the assignment does not fit with your knowledge of the circumstances, current skills or available time and resources.Advising your manager of any situations or obstacles that could keep you from accomplishing the work assigned to you.Advising your manager of any situations or opportunities that could help you complete or improve the work assigned to you.Demonstrating work behaviors consistent with the company values and work within prescribed boundaries, including company policies, standards, procedures to comply with ISO and AS9100 Quality Management SystemADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintains safe operations by keeping work area clean and organized and by adhering to safety procedures and regulationsMaintains equipment by completing basic preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; initiating maintenance request work ordersMaintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needsDocuments actions by completing required paperwork etc.Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications, etc.Participate in required meetings & trainingAble to cross train into other departments as neededAdaptable to a changing work environment, competing demands, able to deal with frequent change, delays, and unexpected eventsQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must pass all pre-employment background checks and screenings.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Required: High School Diploma or GED, Two (2) years of vocational/tech school certification/apprenticeship program or work experience, experience in setting up & operating CNC resources, in process inspectionPreferred: Generally a high skilled/experienced employeePHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The table below illustrates the frequency and types of physical requirements for this job.Physical RequirementsFrequencyrequired to lift/carry objects weighing less than 15 poundsroutinely (26% - 75%)lift/carry objects weighing between 15 and 44 poundsrarely (0% - 5%)required to lift/carry objects weighing 45 pounds and overrarely (0% - 5%)standoften (> 75%)walkroutinely (26% - 75%)Kneel or sitrarely (0% - 5%)climbrarely (0% - 5%)reach above the shouldersroutinely (26% - 75%)use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controlsroutinely (26% - 75%)Vision - closeoften (> 75%)Vision - distantrarely (0% - 5%)Vision – color perceptionrarely (0% - 5%)Repetitive Motion / Repetitive Workroutinely (26% - 75%)WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The table below illustrates the frequency and elements the work environment for this job.ElementFrequencyExposure to moving mechanical partsoften (> 75%)Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicalsoccasionally (<10%)Risk of Electrical Shockrarely (0% - 5%)Nominal Noise Level<80 db routinelyPeak/Occasional Noise Level>81 db rarely