Electrical Manufacturing Technician — Lean Process & Automation

ISU Research Park; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The ISU Research Park in Ames, IA is seeking a Manufacturing Technician to establish, document, and improve electrical and manufacturing processes across multiple operations, including wiring, assembly, and testing. The role blends hands-on electrical work with process development and documentation.

Responsibilities include creating work instructions, supporting Lean/5S initiatives, inventory control, and helping scale manufacturing processes for growth, with emphasis on quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and maintain standardized manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Create and update work instructions, process documentation, build guides, and visual standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements that increase productivity, quality, and safety.
• Support prototype development and transition new products into production.
• Participate in product design reviews and provide manufacturability recommendations.
• Apply electrical systems knowledge to improve manufacturability, assembly accuracy, testing processes, and production repeatability.
• Set up, operate, and maintain low pressure overmolding equipment.
• Perform machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and basic repairs.
• Conduct mold and tooling changeovers.
• Produce prototype and production components while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor machine performance and recommend process improvements.
• Read and interpret customer orders, engineering drawings, specifications, and build sheets.
• Determine appropriate materials, processes, and assembly requirements.
• Assemble products according to customer specifications and quality requirements.
• Inspect completed assemblies and document production results.
• Assemble, wire, and test industrial control panels.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Install electrical and electromechanical components according to specifications.
• Support both prototype development and production runs.
• Verify wiring accuracy and perform functional testing.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems, panel wiring, sensors, and related components to support production quality and equipment reliability.
• Perform basic soldering and electrical connections.
• Assemble sensor housings and components.
• Conduct testing and verification of sensor performance.
• Troubleshoot assembly and functionality issues.
• Maintain accurate testing and quality records.
• Use electrical test equipment and defined procedures to validate continuity, functionality, sensor output, and overall system performance.
• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
• Organize and maintain production workspaces for efficiency and safety.
• Assist with inventory management, cycle counts, and material replenishment.
• Recommend improvements to tooling, fixtures, workflows, and production layouts.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.

Job description

The ISU Research Park in Ames, IA is seeking a Manufacturing Technician to establish, document, and improve electrical and manufacturing processes across multiple operations, including wiring, assembly, and testing. The role blends hands-on electrical work with process development and documentation.

Responsibilities include creating work instructions, supporting Lean/5S initiatives, inventory control, and helping scale manufacturing processes for growth, with emphasis on quality and safety.