Machining Lead - Graveyard

Benchmade Knife Company; Oregon City (OR); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon City is seeking a Machining Lead to ensure safe, efficient production and on-time delivery. You will collaborate with operators and support teams to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost effectiveness.

The role emphasizes standard work, problem solving, and training across multiple work centers. Responsibilities include monitoring output, resolving process issues, and leading 6S initiatives while coordinating with Manufacturing

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience in edged product manufacturing a plus.
• Strong ability to prioritize and adjust based on needs.
• Proven problem-solving skills for complex issues.
• Reading and GD&T understanding.
• Technical support experience in manufacturing environment a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Area Output to goals and metrics (Safety, Quality, Productivity, Delivery, Cost).
• Serve as primary problem solver to resolve issues and restore process control.
• Own process control and sustainability within respective work centers.
• Lead R&D and Pilot jobs; ensure full documentation and run-times.
• Train area staff; coordinate 6S and housekeeping standards.
• Lead continuous improvement and coach team to maximize productivity.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Team leadership

Safety compliance

GD&T understanding

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We are people powered — by makers, problem-solvers, and leaders who elevate everything they do. Guided by our core values and a relentless pursuit of better, we continue to set the bar for premium.Start your Benchmade career today!Our Core ValuesELEVATE EVERYTHING – We each bring a specific set of skills to the table, offering up our expertise and resources to enhance the work of others. We challenge each other to be the best in order to achieve enduring value in the eyes of our customers.BETTER IS BETTER – There is no finish line; we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. We obsess over every detail to find ways to improve both our products and our process.UNAPOLOGETICALLY ACCOUNTABLE – We’re open and honest in how we speak and listen. We celebrate each other’s successes, and collectively rally to solve every challenge. We own it!COURAGEOUS INNOVATION – There are elegant ideas awaiting discovery in everything we do. We push everyone around us to pursue those ideas openly so we can continue to dominate the category.COMMUNITY DRIVEN - As a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us.The Machining Lead is responsible for ensuring the most efficient work steps are being taken to achieve safety, quality, productivity, on time delivery and cost-effective production of our products within the Machining department. Their effort to produce this standard work is focused on personal performance, identifying, and solving both logistical manufacturing problems that occur in their respective work centers with staff, materials, and equipment. This role is responsible for working with operators and supporting departments to solve problems that allow for continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, on time delivery and cost-effective production of our products.Job Responsibilities:Monitor Area Output to desired goals and Metrics (Safety, Quality, Productivity, Delivery and Cost)Serves as primary problem solver to resolve issues and restore process control.Responsible for the process control and sustainability within respective work centers.Responsible for all R&D and Pilot jobs in area, ensuring full process documentation, production run-times, and any production issues are fed back to Manufacturing and Design Engineering. Upon completion, the process should be able to be run by all operators within the area (i.e., standard production)Work with Manufacturing Engineering to resolve any manufacturing issuesReview current processes and drive continuous improvement through such activities as set-up reduction, speeds/feeds modifications, and tooling improvementsServe as primary trainer within the areaLeads 6S activities within the area, ensuring organization and cleanliness standards meet or exceed standards and drives expectations to operators within area.Reviews new PCI’s for any issuesAssist the operators with problems as they occur utilizing root cause analysis methodologiesFamiliar with all work centers to give effective adviceResponsible for training in all respective work centersFollow and enforce all company safety standards/practicesAssure that equipment is adequately maintained and safely operatedSupport all continuous improvement related activities / projects in all areasBalance the workflow to ensure the best and safe use of capacity and staffAid in management of consumablesFlexible and resourceful, capable of identifying and implementing actions in timely manner while understanding all associated risks involved.Support manufacturing process variation reduction and internal quality systems through use of quality tools and techniques to drive process and product improvements.Manage small to medium scale projects related to the production environment.Lead ResponsibilitiesCoordinate training of personnel on technical aspects of the job.Demonstrates leadership role in sharing knowledge with shop personnel.Facilitates the daily work assignments for operators to ensure production requirements meet performance targets for safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost.Coach team members to maximize their productivity.May participate in the interview/hiring process, as well as in disciplinary action and reviews. This role is not responsible for the direct management/supervision of the department employees.Support manufacturing process variation reduction and internal quality systems through use of quality tools and techniques to drive process and product improvements.Manage small to medium scale projects related to the production environment.QualificationsA High School Diploma or GED equivalentAbility to provide positive constructive feedback both within and between departmentsUnderstanding with ability to conduct maintenance and machine troubleshooting and repairExperience in edged product manufacturing a plusReading and GD&T understandingStrong ability to prioritize and adjust based on organizational needsProven problem-solving skills of complex issues.Proven ability to collect and analyze root cause data and drive to a closed corrective action.Capable of providing timely and meaningful training to develop skills of other employeesExcellent organizational, interpersonal and team skillsSound decision making and time management skills.Strong understanding of product quality standards & requirements.Basic MS Office computer skills.Technical support experience in a manufacturing environmentExperience working in and leading initiatives within a “Lean” environmentStrong problem solving/troubleshooting skillsWorking ConditionsWorking Environment: Manufacturing Floor PositionPhysical Demands: Lifting up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Sitting and doing data entry for periods of time. Able to work in a manufacturing environment (exposure to noise, coolants, abrasives, heat, cold, adhesives, and automated and manual machinery) wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, closed shoes, arm sleeves and designated PPE gloves as required.Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 5% of the time.This is an exciting time to be part of a company on the verge of even greater success. If you think you have what it takes to be part of a company that strives to create a working environment that stimulates team spirit, passion, engagement, and achievement, complete an application today. Please include a resume with your online application.Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Benchmade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] or 1-800-800-7427.