Process Engineering Technician

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment Setup & Teardown
•    Perform complete setup and teardown of sheet metal fabrication equipment, including the IPG fiber laser, press brake, PEM insertion machine, belt sander, and ancillary tools
•    Install, adjust, and verify tooling, fixtures, and work-holding devices to drawing specifications prior to production runs
•    Conduct pre-operation inspections and functional checks on all assigned equipment to ensure safe and proper working order
•    Complete accurate setup documentation, including run logs, material lot tracking, and tooling records
•    Execute equipment changeovers efficiently to minimize downtime between production runs
•    Perform post-run teardown, clean equipment and work areas, and return tooling to designated storage locations

IPG Fiber Laser Operation & Programming
•    Program the IPG 1kW fiber laser using Radan CAD/CAM software, including part geometry import, tool path generation, and cut parameter selection on a 4’x4’ capacity cutting bed. 
•    Develop and optimize nesting layouts to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap across a variety of sheet sizes and thicknesses
•    Select and validate cut parameters (power, speed, assist gas, focus position) for various materials including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
•    Monitor laser cutting operations, identify anomalies, and make real-time adjustments to maintain part quality
•    Manage and maintain the Radan program library, including revision control and archiving of approved programs

Press Brake Operation
•    Set up and operate the press brake using appropriate tooling (punches and dies) for specified bend angles, radii, and material gauges
•    Interpret engineering drawings and bend sequences to produce accurate formed parts within tolerance
•    Perform first-article inspections and in-process checks using calipers, angle gauges, and other measurement tools
•    Adjust back gauges, crowning, and tonnage settings as required for consistent results

PEM Insertion Machine & Hardware Installation
•    Set up and operate the PEM insertion press to install threaded fasteners, studs, standoffs, nuts, and other hardware into sheet metal components
•    Select correct tooling heads and verify proper installation per engineering specifications and hardware manufacturer requirements
•    Inspect installed hardware for proper seating, thread engagement, and pull-out strength

Finishing & Sanding Operations
•    Operate belt and/or disc sanders to deburr, blend welds, and finish sheet metal surfaces to specified surface finish requirements
•    Use hand deburring tools and files as needed to prepare parts for downstream operations or final inspection

Quality & Continuous Improvement
•    Perform first-article and in-process inspections using precision measurement tools; document results and disposition nonconforming parts
•    Identify and communicate opportunities to reduce scrap, improve nesting efficiency, or streamline setup procedures
•    Participate in root cause analysis for recurring quality issues and implement corrective actions
•    Support 5S, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives within the factory

Safety & Compliance
•    Operate all equipment in strict compliance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and machine-specific lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
•    Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed footwear
•    Report near-misses, unsafe conditions, and equipment deficiencies to supervision immediately

Work Environment/Physical Requirements
•    Frequent standing, walking, and bending
•    Lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
•    Fine motor dexterity for tooling and setups
•    Extended periods of standing at machines
•    Exposure to noise, metal dust, fumes, and laser light
 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required
•    3+ years of hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication, including setup and operation of laser cutting, press brake, or related equipment
•    Proficiency with Radan or equivalent CAD/CAM nesting/programming software is a plus. 
•    Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and bill of materials
•    Proficiency with precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, angle gauges, and height gauges
•    Strong understanding of material properties, gauges, and sheet metal fabrication processes
•    Solid mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for equipment and process issues
•    High school diploma or GED

Preferred
•    Direct experience programming and operating IPG fiber laser systems
•    Experience with PEM insertion equipment and fastener hardware standards
•    Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies
•    Vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate degree in manufacturing technology or related field
•    Experience working in an ISO-certified or otherwise quality-regulated manufacturing environment

•    Experience in sanitary weld is a plus