Joining Specialist

Location: Pontiac, MI; Employment Type: Full-time; Pay Type: Non-Salaried; Reports To: Mechanical Design Manager; Department: Design; Classification: Not Exempt

Gonzalez is a US owned middle market, 300-team member, manufacturing & services company with three North American locations. There are two main divisions of Gonzalez: Gonzalez Production Systems (GPS), which is primarily involved in robotics automation & integration and Gonzalez Contract Services (GCS), which is a staffing company that also does prototype engineering and manufacturing. We value diversity, teamwork, and tradition. Gonzalez offers medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, HSA contribution, 401K profit sharing, and vacation time.

Purpose of Position:

The Joining Specialist develops, coordinates, and supports completion of customer (internal and external) joining requirements. Qualified candidates will possess an understanding of multiple Joining technologies (Spot Welding, Mig Welding, Laser Welding, Riveting, Aluminum vs Steel, Metal coatings, Sealing and Adhesives). Follows project status from beginning to completion to ensure assigned documentation deliverables are created to customer specifications. Works in full cooperation with engineering, project management, supply chain, manufacturing, integration, site management, and customer project teams.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Joining Responsibilities:
  • Support joining activities during Simo / DPA studies (prelim parts and joining review, prelim spot distribution projection, review plant specific requirements, general gun body assessments, etc.)
  • Coordinate and complete Weld Schedule/ Rivet & Die investigations and document spot location, joining selection, gun requirements, material types, etc.)
  • Coordinate, complete and submit customer to furnish lists related to joining (coordinating with customer processing dept, joining engineer, project management and leader)
  • Coordinate gun requests, approvals and maintain work matrix’s; Send, receive, store associated 3D models and 2D drawings (Gun requests, approvals, etc.); Create deviation documents when required.
  • Coordinate and complete the spot matrix (list each spot per station, part stack-up, xyz locations for collaboration between joining, design and simulation)
  • Complete Joining Studies (deliverable drawing which is a visual representation of spots on product with xyz locations documented)
  • Create gun file deliverables, tip dresser deliverable files, etc. (3D, 2D & Boms)
  • Coordinate and complete robot sizing, payload checks and robot signoffs.
  • Create, maintain, Weld Information Sheets (WIS)
  • Create the initial 1A4 document and support manufacturing joining to maintain the documents.
• Project Tracking: Communicates with assigned team leaders on current projects and tasks on a regular basis.
• Quality: Is aware if Quality Performance Metrics, and actively supports continuous improvement.
• Relationship Management: Develops and maintains open relationships with Project Managers, Team Leaders, peers, other Gonzalez employees, and vendors.
• Improvement Initiatives: Suggest design activity improvements for ease of use, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Task Forecasting: Understanding of hours remaining to complete tasks assigned and keep leader informed of complications/changes to timing.
• Project Control:
  • Work with outside suppliers to ensure customer specifications are followed and documentation is delivered.
  • Works closely with leader to ensure tasks are completed within project timing and within budget constraints.
  • Recommends measures to improve joining procedures, quality of project processes and outcomes, and suggests changes in use of equipment, processes, and methods.
  • Ensures compliance with customer specifications and standards (corporate and plant.)
• Record Keeping: Maintain joining project records, including models, drawings, project documentation, Joining matrix’s, signoffs, DCR’s, etc.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Possesses a strong mechanical aptitude and background in assembly tooling / automation equipment - Ford, FCA, GM and other OEM/Tier 1 suppliers.
• Understanding of Joining technologies (Spot Welding, Mig Welding, Laser Welding, Riveting, Aluminum vs Steel, Metal coatings, Sealing and Adhesives).
• Solid knowledge of common industry standards (safety, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, etc.)
• Ability to read prints – Line Layouts and design drawings.
• Proficient with Windows, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) including a high degree of competence with CAD platforms and associated application software.
• Excellent organization skills with ability to execute projects on time and on budget.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work on one or more projects concurrently.
• Rapidly adapt and respond to changes in environment and priorities.
• Follow written/verbal instructions and meet deadlines with minimal supervision .
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work with and navigate computer filing systems, including the ability to stay organized, archive records, etc.

Qualified candidates possess:

• Education: Associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience: 2 years of relevant experience preferred

Physical requirements (to include but not limited to):

• Ability to sit and move around when required.
• Ability to view, crouch, lean, bend, grip, etc. to inspect and diagnose controls content in manufacturing areas.
• Ability to lift light loads (under 25 lbs.)
• Ability to wear PPE (when necessary)

Travel Requirements:

• May be required to travel to local client facilities, suppliers, and customer sites to assist in customer meetings, plant visits, installation, start-up, final machine acceptance, etc.