Process Technician - 1st shift

IFA Powertrain Polska; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

IFA North America is seeking a Process Technician to provide frontline technical support in the production area, ensuring equipment reliability, process stability, and smooth changeovers. You will assist with TPM, tooling readiness, and operator support to maintain uptime and standardized processes.

The role requires 2+ years in manufacturing or maintenance, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to read technical documentation.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of manufacturing, setup, technical operator, maintenance support, or process troubleshooting experience.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Ability to read technical documentation and follow standardized work instructions.
• Basic computer skills and good organizational, communication, and training abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline technical support to ensure equipment reliability and process stability.
• Troubleshoot interruptions and assist with mechanical, tooling, fixture, and process issues.
• Support TPM activities, preventive inspections, and tool maintenance.
• Execute changeovers and verify setups prior to startup.
• Train operators on standardized work and assist with onboarding new associates.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Precision measuring tools

Shop tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

The Process Technician provides frontline technical support within the production area to ensure equipment reliability, process stability, efficient changeovers, TPM execution, tooling readiness, and operator support. This role focuses on maintaining uptime, supporting standardized processes, troubleshooting routine production issues, and assisting with continuous improvement activities.

Essential Functions

Equipment & Process Support

• Support daily production through troubleshooting and rapid response to equipment or process interruptions
• Assist with mechanical, tooling, fixture, and process-related issues to maintain uptime and stability
• Support startup, shutdown, recovery, and containment activities
• Identify and upscale unresolved technical or abnormal equipment conditions
• Perform basic mechanical repairs and adjustments as needed

TPM & Equipment Care

• Execute TPM activities, preventive inspections, lubrication, and basic adjustments
• Identify abnormal equipment conditions before failure occurs
• Support maintenance during repairs and root cause investigations
• Maintain TPM records and equipment cleanliness standards
• Clean and maintain tooling using approved methods

Changeovers & Setup Verification

• Execute equipment and product changeovers according to standard work
• Verify tooling, programs, recipes, fixtures, and setup parameters prior to startup
• Support startup verification, first-piece approval, and CVR completion
• Escalate abnormal startup conditions and support downtime reduction efforts

Tooling & Production Support

• Maintain organization and readiness of tooling and tool crib areas
• Monitor tooling inventory and coordinate replacement or repair needs
• Ensure tooling and fixtures are available for scheduled production and changeovers
• Train and support operators on standardized work, equipment operation, and troubleshooting basics
• Assist with onboarding and qualification of new associates
• Identify opportunities for process, quality, ergonomic, and efficiency improvements
• Participate in root cause analysis and support process standardization efforts
• Escalate advanced electrical, automation, programming, or engineering-related issues appropriately

Documentation & Standards

• Maintain accurate production, TPM, and setup documentation
• Ensure compliance with work instructions, technical standards, and audit requirements
• Maintain safe, organized, and clean work areas

Education:

• HS Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• 2+ years of manufacturing, setup, technical operator, maintenance support, or process troubleshooting experience
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and processes
• Ability to use precision measuring devices and standard shop tools
• Ability to read technical documentation and follow standardized work instructions
• Basic computer skills
• Strong organizational, communication, and training abilities
• Understanding of manufacturing KPIs including downtime, scrap, cycle time, and efficiency

Desired – Education/Skills/Experience:

• Manufacturing technician, setup technician, or maintenance support experience
• Experience with automated equipment, robotics, or PLC-controlled systems
• TPM and Lean manufacturing experience
• Automotive manufacturing experience
• Tooling control and inventory management experience

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk/move about a 500,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility: 90% of the time
• Must be able to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 75% of the time
• Must be able to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 40% of the time
• Must be able to lift up to 30lbs on a frequent basis: 30% of the time
• Must be able to lift over 30lbs on an infrequent basis: 10% of the time
• Must be able to push/pull materials using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment on an infrequent basis: 20% of the time
• Must be able to sit at a work station: 80% of the time
• Must be able to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
• Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
• Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

AAP/EEO Statement

IFA North America provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, IFA North America complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.