Engineering Technician

Preco, LLC; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Referral program

9 paid holidays per year

Job summary

A dynamic manufacturing company is seeking an Engineering Technician to support Contract Manufacturing operations. This role involves hands-on technical expertise in machining, fabrication, and CAD/CAM programming. The ideal candidate has an associate degree in Engineering Technology and strong problem-solving skills. Responsibilities include operating milling machines, creating 3D models in SolidWorks, and assisting in tooling design. A collaborative culture encourages continuous improvement and career advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated individual capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Must pass annual vision and color perception examination.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual and CNC milling machines.
• Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks.
• Assist in the design and development of production tooling.

Skills

Hands-on experience with CNC milling machines

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to read technical drawings

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Experience with TIG and MIG welding

Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Education

Associate degree in Engineering Technology or Manufacturing Technology

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC milling machines

Manual lathe

Job description

Department:Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS) - Metals
Reports to:Engineering Manager - Metals

Position Summary

The Engineering Technician supports Contract Manufacturing operations by providing hands-on technical expertise in machining, fabrication, CAD/CAM programming, and tooling development. This role is critical in supporting fast-turn customer projects, new product introductions (NPI), and ongoing production optimization.

Working in a dynamic, high-mix/low-to-mid volume environment, this individual must be self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of converting customer drawings and engineering concepts into production-ready tooling and components. The Engineering Technician plays a key role in improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance through practical problem-solving and continuous improvement

Job Responsibilities

Core Competencies

• Ownership and urgency in supporting customer commitments
• Strong problem-solving mindset
• Cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, and Engineering
• Attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Machining & Fabrication Support

• Set up and operate manual and CNC milling machines for tooling and component fabrication
• Operate manual lathe equipment for precision part production and repair
• Perform TIG and MIG welding for tooling, fixtures, frames, and equipment modifications
• Fabricate, modify, and repair production tooling, fixtures, and machine components
• Support prototype builds and short-run production projects
• Maintain strict adherence to safety and quality standards

CAD/CAM & Design Support

• Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks
• Generate and optimize toolpaths using CAM software
• Interpret customer prints, GD&T, and engineering specifications
• Support design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements
• Maintain accurate revision control and documentation for customer-driven projects

Tooling & Process Development

• Assist in the design and development of production tooling and fixtures
• Apply tooling design best practices including repeatability, rigidity, and ease of use
• Incorporate error-proofing (poka-yoke) concepts into tooling designs
• Support automation-ready tooling concepts including sensor integration and I/O considerations
• Evaluate tooling performance and recommend improvements to improve OEE and throughput
• Diagnose and resolve machining, tooling, and process issues
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Provide hands‑on technical support to production teams
• Drive improvements in setup reduction, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency
• Support preventative maintenance and equipment reliability efforts

Job Requirements

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling and drawing creation)
• Experience with CAD/CAM programming
• Strong hands‑on experience with manual and CNC milling machines
• Experience operating a manual lathe
• Skilled in TIG and MIG welding
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude
• Candidates must successfully pass an annual vision and color perception examination to ensure they can meet the essential visual requirements of the role.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Physical Demands

• Experience in a high‑mix contract manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting NPI and customer‑driven projects
• Vision Requirements:These requirements can be met with the help of corrective lenses (glasses/contacts) unless there is a strictly regulated safety reason why they cannot be.
  • Near Vision: Must possess the ability to perceive detail at close range (within 16 inches of the observer).
  • Far Vision: n/a
  • Color Perception: The ability to identify and distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness levels is required for identifying or interpreting welding/metal work.

Why work at Preco?

At Preco you will find a collaborative culture and a team united by a passion to provide solutions to our customers. Preco is a premier provider of laser, flat bed and rotary die cutting equipment solutions for advanced material processing needs. In addition, Preco is a skilled laser integrator offering cutting, perforating, welding, and other specialized industrial processing applications.

Preco's working environment is climate-controlled year-round and there are opportunities for career advancement.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• 9 paid holidays per year

All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring. Also, each member of the Preco – Somerset team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem‑solving teams as necessary

This position is located in Somerset, WI