Sr. Machine Operator

Crane Company; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401k Retirement

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Crane Aerospace & Electronics in West Caldwell, NJ is seeking a Sr. Machine Operator to manage SMT line operations, set up, adjust, and troubleshoot equipment, and mentor junior operators. You will ensure high-quality output and compliance with manufacturing standards.

The role requires 5–10 years of relevant experience, ability to read production drawings, and strong problem-solving skills. Willingness to work flexible hours and uphold safety protocols is essential.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in a related field.
• Able to interpret applicable specifications and operating principles of machinery.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust and operate SMT equipment including pick-and-place, conformal coating and soldering processes.
• Perform routine maintenance and track lead times to support customers.
• Train and mentor new Machine Operators on essential functions.
• Create and troubleshoot Europlacer programs and AOI routines.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Stencil Printer

Ekra programming

Yestech AOI

Europlacer

PRI inspection

Job description

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. Machine Operator at our West Caldwell, NJ location.About Crane:Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).Every time you use phone navigation, make a bank transaction or have food delivered to your home, Crane Aerospace & Electronics Microwave product is hard at work. Located in the tight-knit, family-first West Caldwell, NJ., community, our West Caldwell facility supplies industry-leading microwave components and systems for use in space, defense and commercial applications, including GPS III satellites. With more than 60 years of expertise, our Microwave group has proven capabilities in major military, communications, electronic warfare, radar and satellite systems. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!Job Summary:The Machine Operator Sr. works with computer controlled equipment or more mechanically-based machines to ensure they are set-up properly, working well, and producing high quality products. The Machine Operator Sr. performs recurring assignments proficiently and independently and normally works under minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures and practices.Essential Functions:Setup, adjust and operate any or all of the following machines used in circuit card assembly: surface mount technology pick and place, conformal coating and selective solderMake manual adjustments to the machine interface and controls, as required, to optimize performance, ensure proper operation, and validate product complianceSupport Crane Business System (CBS) initiatives including 5S, KPI’s, Standard Work, Problem Solving, and other initiatives as they ariseMeet and establish lead times to support customers’ needsPerform routine maintenance of equipment in respective area of responsibilityManage consumables in the respective machinesTrain and mentor new Machine Operators on essential functionsPractice safe work habits as established by OSHA and Crane policyCross trained on all processes in SMT, pulling parts, loading parts, loading trolleys and trays. Operating Stencil Printer, Machine Operator 1 and Machine Operator 2. Inspection (AOI) and PRI (Inspection).Create simple to semi-difficult Europlacer component vision packages.Create complete Ekra stencil programs, makes adjustments and troubleshoots.Operate the entire SMT line and all computers from start to finish.Troubleshoot and resolve Europlacer component pickup & placement problems.Troubleshoot Europlacer programs with little assistance.Create complete Yestech AOI programs and troubleshoot common problems.Perform a complete PRI (post reflow inspection) on simple to complex CCA's.Any other task assigned by supervisor or managementNon-Essential Functions :Generates Non Conformance Reports (NCR) for quality related issues as requiredCreate a status report for coworkers on following shiftUse company intranet and Learning Management System as neededCross-trained in PCC and Wave Solder / Selective SolderMinimum Qualifications :Experience : 5-10 years of experience in a related fieldKnowledge : Competent in interpreting applicable specifications and understand operating principles of the machinery; Understand general shop computationsSkills/Abilities : Problem solving, troubleshooting, and simple machine maintenance skills; Ability to understand oral and written instructions pertaining to work related matter, and to maintain routine records; Accurate color vision and depth perception (other vision capability may be required by area of assignment); Ability to work satisfactorily on a sustained basis within any physical and environmental requirements applicable to area of assignment, e.g., highly repetitive work, hot tools or materials, epoxy or other chemical agents, fumes, noise, oily or similar conditions; Ability to flex work schedule to maintain processes and work flow as needed; Ability to read and understand production or engineering prints, production planning information and assembly aids, such as illustrationsEducation/Certification : High School diploma or equivalentEligibility Requirement: This position may require access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US Persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).Preferred Qualifications :Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance; knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goodsAerospace experience or manufacturing experience in regulated fieldTop Benefits:As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy:Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the monthTime Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company matchEducation Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employmentWorking Conditions :Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environmentManufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPEMay be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumesFlexible and willing to work overtime if necessaryStanding: 75% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work taskSitting: 25% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work taskLifting (in pounds): up to 25 poundsPushing (in pounds): up to 25 poundsMental/Visual: use of computerWorkspace (line, cube, etc): work stationYou can see a list of our benefits at https://www.craneae.com/company/careers or visit our website at www.CraneAE.com for more information on our company and great opportunities.We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.Salary range: $26.09 - $32.76 Several factors contribute to actual salary, including experience in a similar role or performing comparable job responsibilities, skills, training, and other qualifications. Some roles may be eligible for participation in performance-based bonus programs.This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.