Engineering Technician III

Overview

Under the direction of the Sr. Staff Engineer NPI, develop new products following the Vitreous Development Management System (VDMS). Cast new product block molds, produce products for qualification testing, develop ware boards, bowl horseshoes, special props and punching gauges. Suggest alterations necessary to improve product manufacturability. Serve as liaison between Model, Block and Case and Pottery Cast shop to introduce new and improve current manufacturing methods and yields.

Location:

Kohler, WI. Work mode:
Onsite.

Dry finish, transport, spray, fire and inspect new products for qualification testing. Develop procedures for finishing, dryer and transportation propping, spray setters, gauges, firing props, decks and special methods to improve product manufacturability. Coordinate with Product Development and the Pottery ware processing departments to introduce new products and improve current product manufacturing methods and yields. Assist the Processing Departments as directed to resolve product problems.

• Cast new product block molds, develop and document casting procedures for Pottery cast shops.
• Suggest mold and casting procedure changes; work with Model, Block and Case on mold alterations to rapidly develop correct fitting molds.
• Develop casting, finishing and hole punching methods/tooling and implement changes as required by product engineering or manufacturing.
• Maintain Excel data collection files of all products, casting method changes, mold alterations and special tool dimensions during development; include daily records of methods and alterations for each new product cast.
• Create job instructions from mold preparation to firing process using Microsoft Word.
• Dry finish all products produced by Product Development and develop dry finishing procedures to produce quality products.
• Transport new products to the dryer using available equipment; develop any special transportation props and drying times/methods to produce good pieces.
• Inspect product after drying and record defects by location; review defects and develop procedures to eliminate problems.
• Transport products to the Spray department and assist in developing spray methods, setters, and gauges.
• Transport product to the Kiln Department; develop kiln placing locations, methods, firing props and setters as required. Development of drop-in lavatory firing rings is a major responsibility.
• Inspect fired products for problems and defects; record defects and critical dimensions to help reduce and eliminate issues.
• Develop and implement logo gauges for production use.
• Assist manufacturing in the process qualification (PQ) and process verification (PV) stages to ensure proper procedures and methods are followed; modify procedures as needed to improve product quality.
• Assist manufacturing in troubleshooting manufacturing problems on both new and existing vitreous products.
• Travel up to 20% to satellite pottery locations to assist with introduction of new products at PQ/PV.

• High School Graduate.
• Bases computer skills in Excel, Word, MS PowerPoint, etc.
• Proficient with hand tools, drills, wrenches, etc.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• 3-6 years hands-on experience in manufacturing, construction, or related field.
• Preferred: 3-6 years pottery experience in casting, model, block, case, ware spraying or kiln loading.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.