Automation Technician

Suncast Corporation is the leading US-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and industrial markets. A privately held company headquartered in Western Chicago, Illinois, Suncast prides itself on 35 years of innovation and sustainability across a wide range of product categories with materials proudly sourced in the USA. Everything we do is supported by the strength and ingenuity of American workers and we are committed to helping families across the country make the most of their unique spaces. We utilize state-of-the-art machinery and innovative manufacturing techniques to consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality.

The Automation Maintenance Technician 2nd shift directs the building of machines that assist with the assembly and packing of Suncast products. The Lead must place a strong emphasis on user safety and ergonomic considerations. The Lead must consider the skills of our workforce when building a machine or process. There must also be a focus on ease of maintenance, reliability, and ability to accept part variation with each machine and process.

Responsibilities:
The following duties are considered essential to this position. Other responsibilities may be assigned.

• Review proposed machine designs with other managers to ensure all requirements for the following are met:
• Ensure user safety based on our workforce.
• Ensure production will meet or exceed established quality standards.
• Ensure machines will meet or exceed targeted production numbers.
• Ensure machines are usable, with appropriate training, by our workforce. Machines should not require skills or training beyond what is available with our production workers.
• Ensure machines are readily maintained by our automation maintenance technicians. Special maintenance skills should not be required. Machine design should ensure minimal downtime with foreseeable wear and tear.
• Direct the building of machines and fixtures. Ensure that the machines are ready for use when required by production.
• Install, maintain, and repair production equipment.
• Diagnose problems. Determine what repairs are required and determine the equipment, supplies, and skills needed to complete the repairs.
• Requisition or make components for assigned repairs.
• Study specifications such as blueprints, sketches, or models that describe the machine to be fabricated. Develop a plan to build the machine within budget and by project due date.
• Verify component dimension accuracy throughout the fabrication process.
• Work with Quality Assurance to test machine for production quality.
• Work with production groups to verify dimensions, settings, and alignments.
• Maintain tooling department inventory of expendable supplies such as material stock and common components. Replenish stock to ensure jobs can be completed in a timely basis.
• Understand and use appropriately the technologies of machine design, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, electronics, and PLC programming.
• Develop and lead training classes for automation, maintenance, and production personnel to explain the safe use and maintenance of the equipment.
• Understand thoroughly tool room machining methods and materials.
• Prototype machine concepts when necessary. Review with appropriate personnel to ensure function.
• Develop a network of vendors and other technical experts to assist with cost effective sourcing of components and supplies within given time constraints.
• Read trade journals and technical publications regularly to stay informed of technological changes. The employee should suggest trade shows and seminars that will inform him or her of new techniques and materials.
• Support and comply with all Suncast safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping methods at all times. Suncast policies have been developed to ensure compliance with employee law.
• Although this position does not have supervisory responsibility, it is a leadership position. This employee must be capable of working with other employees, training them in the safe use and maintenance of equipment.

Qualifications:
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.

• Automated machine construction experience of seven to ten years required.
• Bachelor or Associate degree in Engineering is desirable.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to respond to questions from managers, engineers, coworkers, and production supervisors. Ability to write memos and letters to vendors.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• This position requires a high degree of computer literacy. The employee must understand file management methods using MS Windows. There must be a basic understanding of three dimensional CAD methods. Experience in Inventor is a strong plus. Must be able to utilize MS Office programs. Formal training in or experience with PLC programming and touch screen programming is required. A basic understanding of word processing is required. AS400 experience is a plus.

Physical 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 by be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing this job, the employee will be required to sit, use a computer with a keyboard and mouse, communicate effectively with others, and use active listening skills. Vision requirements include ability for close vision so printed reports and computer screens can be read, distance vision, and the ability to focus. While in the machine shop, the employee will be on his or her feet throughout the day and will be required to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. This is a full-time position. Due to fluctuations in production schedules, this employee may be required to work additional hours, including weekends, to meet additional demands and deadlines.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing these duties, the employee will divide his or her time between an office, a manufacturing facility, and a machine shop. Typically, offices are climate controlled and have a moderate noise level for an office. Manufacturing areas are subject to seasonal variations in temperature and humidity. Noise level is generally moderate for manufacturing. The machine shop is temperature controlled, although it may be subject to some seasonal variations in temperature and humidity. Noise level is moderate for a machine shop. Safety equipment must be worn when in the manufacturing area and the machine shop. Some travel to outside vendors may be required.

The Anticipated Pay Range for This Position: $23.00-$35.00 hourly

Suncast offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Telehealth benefits
• Life insurance
• 401K with employer match
• Paid vacation time off
• Paid parental leave
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
• Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
• Educational Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement