SynkTM Manufacturing Technician

ISU Research Park; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The ISU Research Park in Ames, IA is seeking a Manufacturing Technician to establish, document, and improve electrical and manufacturing processes across multiple operations, including wiring, assembly, and testing. The role blends hands-on electrical work with process development and documentation.

Responsibilities include creating work instructions, supporting Lean/5S initiatives, inventory control, and helping scale manufacturing processes for growth, with emphasis on quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and maintain standardized manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Create and update work instructions, process documentation, build guides, and visual standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements that increase productivity, quality, and safety.
• Support prototype development and transition new products into production.
• Participate in product design reviews and provide manufacturability recommendations.
• Apply electrical systems knowledge to improve manufacturability, assembly accuracy, testing processes, and production repeatability.
• Set up, operate, and maintain low pressure overmolding equipment.
• Perform machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and basic repairs.
• Conduct mold and tooling changeovers.
• Produce prototype and production components while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor machine performance and recommend process improvements.
• Read and interpret customer orders, engineering drawings, specifications, and build sheets.
• Determine appropriate materials, processes, and assembly requirements.
• Assemble products according to customer specifications and quality requirements.
• Inspect completed assemblies and document production results.
• Assemble, wire, and test industrial control panels.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Install electrical and electromechanical components according to specifications.
• Support both prototype development and production runs.
• Verify wiring accuracy and perform functional testing.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems, panel wiring, sensors, and related components to support production quality and equipment reliability.
• Perform basic soldering and electrical connections.
• Assemble sensor housings and components.
• Conduct testing and verification of sensor performance.
• Troubleshoot assembly and functionality issues.
• Maintain accurate testing and quality records.
• Use electrical test equipment and defined procedures to validate continuity, functionality, sensor output, and overall system performance.
• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
• Organize and maintain production workspaces for efficiency and safety.
• Assist with inventory management, cycle counts, and material replenishment.
• Recommend improvements to tooling, fixtures, workflows, and production layouts.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.

Job description

The Manufacturing Technician is responsible for establishing, documenting, and continuously improving electrical and manufacturing processes across multiple operations, including low pressure overmolding, industrial control panel assembly, sensor assembly and testing, electrical wiring, product assembly, and functional verification. This position combines hands-on electrical assembly and troubleshooting with process development, work instruction creation, inventory control, Lean/5S implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong electrical and mechanical aptitude, a commitment to quality and safety, and the ability to develop scalable electrical manufacturing processes that support operational growth and efficiency.

High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or certification preferred.

Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing, electrical assembly, industrial controls, product assembly, or a related technical environment.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, and build instructions.

Understanding of electrical components, electrical circuits, and industrial control systems.

Experience using hand tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and crimping tools.

Basic soldering skills and ability to make reliable electrical connections.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.

Knowledge of workplace safety practices and electrical safety procedures.

Ability to perform electrical testing, verify wiring accuracy, and troubleshoot electrical assemblies using appropriate tools and procedures.

Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work independently.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with low pressure overmolding processes or similar molding operations.

Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement experience.

Experience developing work instructions and production documentation.

Familiarity with ERP or inventory management systems.

Experience with industrial controls, sensors, and automation equipment.

Experience with electrical system testing, wiring validation, continuity checks, and functional troubleshooting.

Ability to support new product introduction and prototype development.

Candidates with 5 or more years of directly related electrical manufacturing, industrial controls, or process development experience are strongly preferred.

Job Duties:

Develop, implement, and maintain standardized manufacturing processes and procedures.

Create and update work instructions, process documentation, build guides, and visual standards.

Identify opportunities for process improvements that increase productivity, quality, and safety.

Support prototype development and transition new products into production.

Participate in product design reviews and provide manufacturability recommendations.

Apply electrical systems knowledge to improve manufacturability, assembly accuracy, testing processes, and production repeatability.

Set up, operate, and maintain low pressure overmolding equipment.

Perform machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and basic repairs.

Conduct mold and tooling changeovers.

Produce prototype and production components while maintaining quality standards.

Monitor machine performance and recommend process improvements.

Read and interpret customer orders, engineering drawings, specifications, and build sheets.

Determine appropriate materials, processes, and assembly requirements.

Assemble products according to customer specifications and quality requirements.

Inspect completed assemblies and document production results.

Assemble, wire, and test industrial control panels.

Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.

Install electrical and electromechanical components according to specifications.

Support both prototype development and production runs.

Verify wiring accuracy and perform functional testing.

Troubleshoot electrical systems, panel wiring, sensors, and related components to support production quality and equipment reliability.

Perform basic soldering and electrical connections.

Assemble sensor housings and components.

Conduct testing and verification of sensor performance.

Troubleshoot assembly and functionality issues.

Maintain accurate testing and quality records.

Use electrical test equipment and defined procedures to validate continuity, functionality, sensor output, and overall system performance.

Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.

Organize and maintain production workspaces for efficiency and safety.

Assist with inventory management, cycle counts, and material replenishment.

Recommend improvements to tooling, fixtures, workflows, and production layouts.

Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.