Process Technician (Compression) 3rd shift

USF; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

USF is seeking a Process Technician (Compression) to operate and maintain compression molding equipment and related systems in our Austin, TX facility. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to minimize downtime and ensure safety and quality across presses, ovens, robots, and waterjet systems.

The role requires hands-on experience with ABB/FANUC robots, ability to perform minor program adjustments, and a strong focus on continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating and maintaining compression molding equipment, thermal ovens, robots, and/or waterjet cutting machines.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or vocational training preferred.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot presses, ovens, robots, waterjet systems, thermolators, and auxiliary equipment.
• Hands-on experience with ABB and/or FANUC robots, including program touch-ups and basic recovery.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment used in compression molding manufacturing process.
• Monitor and adjust machine parameters to meet quality specifications.
• Maintain accurate records of machine performance and maintenance activities; complete daily paperwork and entries.
• Perform robot program adjustments on ABB and FANUC robots to support production per procedures and safety requirements.
• Adhere to safety protocols and ensure compliance by all team members.

Skills

Robotics operation

Preventive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Documentation & data entry

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

ABB robots

FANUC robots

Waterjet cutting

Forklift operation

Mold handling equipment

Job description

Diversity is an integral part of our corporate culture and success at USF. We welcome all individuals.

Job Title: Process Technician (Compression)

Department: Manufacturing

Reports To: Manufacturing Engineer

FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt

SUMMARY:

The Compression Process Technician is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment used in the compression molding manufacturing process. This role supports safe, efficient, and high-quality production across compression presses, thermal ovens, robots, and waterjet cutting systems. The Process Technician works closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to minimize downtime, reduce scrap, and ensure compliance with all safety and quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment used in compression molding manufacturing process.
• Monitor and adjust machine parameters to ensure that the products meet the required quality specifications.
• Maintain accurate records of machine performance and maintenance activities; complete all required daily paperwork and electronic entries.
• Perform minor robot program adjustments on ABB and FANUC robots as required to support production, including touch-up of points, path alignment, and recovery adjustments, in accordance with approved procedures and safety requirements.
• Adhere to safety protocols and ensure that all team members are comply with safety regulations.
• Train and mentor new process technicians and machine operators on proper equipment operation, maintenance, and safety requirements.
• Continuously identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Participate in engineering and cross-functional projects to develop and implement corrective actions and process improvements that reduce scrap and downtime.
• Responsible for following all USF policies and procedures
• Perform and oversee all die change activities, ensuring proper setup, alignment, and release for production.
• Identify and troubleshoot machine, mold, robot, waterjet, and material-related issues and escalate appropriately when required.
• Serve as the first responder to press, robot, thermolator, and waterjet fault alarms.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES & ROLE EXPECTATIONS:

• Act as the primary process owner for the assigned shift, with accountability for equipment performance, safety, quality, and communication when Engineering or Maintenance support is not immediately available.
• Maintain the authority to stop equipment for safety, quality, or process concerns and initiate escalation to Maintenance, Engineering, or Quality as required.
• Serve as the first level of troubleshooting and containment prior to maintenance escalation.
• Monitor and troubleshoot waterjet cells, including robot operation, fixture loading and seating, nozzle condition, visible leaks, and other abnormal conditions that could impact safety, quality, or uptime.
• Rebuild, service, and replace waterjet consumables, including cutting heads, nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, coils, high-pressure lines, seals, and intensifier-related wear components in accordance with approved procedures.
• Verify proper execution of die changes, including clamp setup, alignment, documentation completion, and confirmation that tooling is production-ready prior to release.
• Support robot operation and reliability by performing validated robot program touch-ups, end-of-arm alignment checks, and safe recovery actions following faults or abnormal conditions. Escalate complex program creation and changes to Engineering.
• Ensure accurate completion of process-critical documentation, including mold change forms, PVs, first-piece and last-piece verification, scrap and downtime reporting, and MES or manual log entries required for traceability and audits.
• Identify abnormal trends in scrap, downtime, cycle time, or equipment behavior and proactively communicate findings to Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations leadership.
• Support and participate in continuous improvement and engineering initiatives, including trials, corrective actions, error-proofing, and standardization activities.
• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, work instructions, safety procedures, and USF policies, and actively coach operators to maintain compliance.
• Perform and communicate effective shift handovers, clearly documenting equipment status, issues encountered, actions taken, and open items for the incoming shift.
• Mentor and develop operators and junior process technicians by reinforcing standard work, troubleshooting techniques, and safe equipment operation.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating and maintaining compression molding equipment, thermal ovens, robots, and/or waterjet cutting machines.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Technical degree, trade certification, or vocational training preferred.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot presses, ovens, robots, waterjet systems, thermolators, and auxiliary equipment.
• Hands-on experience with ABB and/or FANUC robots, including program touch-ups, point adjustments, and basic recovery under controlled and approved procedures.
• Hands-on experience rebuilding and maintaining waterjet and intensifier consumables, including cutting heads, coils, seals, nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, and high-pressure components.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Demonstrated understanding of safety practices, including LOTO, machine guarding, and safe material handling.
• Experience supporting die change activities, equipment setup, and production release.
• Valid forklift certification and demonstrated ability to safely operate large-capacity forklifts used for mold handling and die change activities, in accordance with company safety policies.
• Working knowledge of quality requirements, first-piece/last-piece validation, and basic problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in documentation and data entry.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies and suggest process improvements.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; able to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a physically demanding manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, off-shifts, or shutdown periods as business needs require.
• Willingness to complete required training and maintain authorization for robot, waterjet, and high-pressure system work.
• Willingness to complete and maintain required forklift and crane/rigging training as applicable to mold handling activities.