CNC & Cobots Tooling Engineer

JTEKT Column Systems North America; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JTEKT Column Systems North America seeks a Technology and Tooling Engineer to assist in advancing manufacturing technology, tooling, CNC equipment, and cobot applications. You will work with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and other teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

You will lead CNC and cobot programming, troubleshoot equipment, optimize tooling, support new equipment launches, and drive continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Engineering, or related field; OR
• Currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Manufacturing or Engineering Technology with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical manufacturing role.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively using the metric system.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lead problem-solving teams and improvement activities.
• Ability to manage projects, priorities, and timelines.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical and hourly production employees.

Responsibilities

• Program and support CNC and cobot equipment.
• Lead CNC and cobot programming activities.
• Develop and maintain CNC and cobot preventive maintenance plans.
• Monitor the condition and performance of CNC equipment, cobots, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Troubleshoot CNC, cobot, tooling, and process-related issues.
• Train engineers on CNC and cobot programming.
• Train Production Team Leaders on CNC operation and perishable tooling use.
• Create and maintain "golden part" and "golden cycle" routines for cobot applications.
• Optimize perishable tooling to improve tool life, product quality, and cost.
• Support tooling design, including material selection and DLC coating.
• Evaluate and prescribe appropriate forming lubricants.
• Maintain documentation for perishable tooling and manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate machine and tooling modifications.
• Work with outside vendors on tooling development and purchasing.
• Support the purchase of tooling and capital equipment as directed by the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.
• Develop countermeasures for safety-related issues.
• Assist with the day-to-day resolution of manufacturing equipment and process problems.
• Lead problem-solving and cost-reduction activities with technical and hourly associates.
• Perform process validation and tooling tryouts.
• Support plant layout changes and coordinate movement of equipment.
• Assist with procurement of new and used manufacturing equipment.
• Document machine capacities and track uptime, downtime, scrap, and efficiency.
• Maintain timelines for new product launches and engineering projects.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
• Document and communicate engineering activities throughout the organization.
• Request and self-assign work orders to document machine and equipment activities.
• Train backup employees on basic machine setup and programming.
• Participate in APQP activities, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and other related activities.
• Assist Quality with gauge checks, gauge development, and inspection frequencies.
• Support customer quality issues, rejections, and development of countermeasures.
• Participate in daily manufacturing activities and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Metric system

Project management

Team collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing or Engineering

Associate's degree in Manufacturing/Engineering Technology (5+ years experience)

Tools

CNC Programming

Cobots/Cobot programming

Tooling design & optimization

DLC coating knowledge

Preventive maintenance

APQP PFMEA & Control Plans

Job description

JTEKT Column Systems North America seeks a Technology and Tooling Engineer to assist in advancing manufacturing technology, tooling, CNC equipment, and cobot applications. You will work with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and other teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

You will lead CNC and cobot programming, troubleshoot equipment, optimize tooling, support new equipment launches, and drive continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.