Lead Production Technician

Role and Responsibilities

Daily duties will vary and may include any of the following activities:

• Operate carbon fiber process equipment for recycling and product formation.
• Record details of production and inventory accurately.  This will include completing work instructions manually and/or electronically.
• Communicate with management to optimize manufacturing and support with updating standard operating procedures, work instructions and production tracking
• Track and record production improvements through a change management database.
• Support in developing equipment maintenance plans.  Support in performing preventative maintenance. 
• Assist engineering in process expansion, which may include equipment replacement, material handling automation and process line installations
• Support product logistics including storage, labeling, shipping and tracking.  Operations may require use of forklift, pallet rack or other product management equipment.  
• Actively participate and support the evolution of Vartega’s Health, Safety and Environmental management system. 
• Serve as shift lead on an as needed basis providing Leadership and supervision for production technicians on assigned shifts.  
  • Coordinate shift breaks to minimize downtime and maintain process efficiency. 
  • Ensure that employees do not work unsupervised until the training and qualification process is complete.
  • Ensure that all details of production and inventory are recorded accurately.  This will include making sure  work instructions are completed thoroughly and correctly.  
  • Ensure all required tasks are being performed correctly and in a timely manner, including but not limited to cleaning and preventative maintenance. 
  • Ensure all policies and procedures are being followed, with an emphasis on quality and safety
  • Provide initial training of production personnel using established best practices and procedures 
  • Assess level of proficiency of production staff on production related tasks and update training record accordingly
  • Report employee issues to management and collaborate with management to resolve those issues
  • Contribute to improvement of working conditions (safety, quality, and productivity) 
  • Collaborate with management to continuously improve in all areas, using lean, six-sigma, and other continuous improvement tools 
  • Resolve non-conformance issues using established best practices and procedures
  • Communicate with management to optimize manufacturing and support with updating standard operating procedures, work instructions and production tracking. This includes communicating discrepancies and providing suggested update/changes to management
  • Facilitate communication between teams/shifts and between management and production staff. This includes participating in/running daily production standup meetings with the production team and transition meetings with the shift lead on the opposing shift.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED 
• Safety oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, experience with Google Suite
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment, including pumps, piping, manifolds and valves
• Operator or maintenance experience in manufacturing or raw material production environment
• Able to read and comply with all required documentation such as work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Able to record all process steps completed on paper and/or a computer 
• Ability to balance and achieve positive results in the areas of safety, quality, productivity, cost and employee relations.
• Strong problem solving skills, interpersonal and communication skills
• Curious, with an interest in learning new skills and processes 
• Self motivated, with attention to detail
• Comfortable working in environments where activities vary and change frequently
• Interest in growing a career in recycling, advanced materials and/or cleantech
• Able and willing to engage in manual production and equipment maintenance activities.  These may include:
  • lifting and moving objects up to 50 lb safely
  • moving up and down stairs and ladders
  • handling and using tools for working on fittings, parts and equipment
  • Wearing personal protective equipment for prolonged periods of time that enhance personal health and safety in environments containing dust, loud noise and/or mechanical objects

Preferred Education and Skills

• 2 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Trade Qualifications and/or technical associate's degree
• Training in lean manufacturing, SixSigma or other manufacturing methodology
• Safety leadership training, or equivalent
• Forklift Certified

Salary : $30