Automation Technician - Robot Programmer

JOB SUMMARY

This position will work independently or under supervision of Automation Lead to complete tasks necessary for robotic automation. Robotics are extensively used throughout Howmet La Porte’s manufacturing process in Monoshell, Foundry, Casting, Post-Cast, and NDT. As such, all candidates must have the ability to work on a cross functional team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Create/maintain robotic programs and tooling, as required for the department of use.

• Determine/create/maintain key process characteristics within the robotic program necessary for a robust process, along with monitoring/reacting to these process inputs.

• Ability to utilize off-line programming software to minimize production downtime while correcting issues, implementing new products, and/or making other adjustments.

• Detail oriented, with record keeping practices that easily allow for determining process changes to downstream results.

• Participate in cross-functional team for the purpose of preventing or reducing recurring defects (e.g., dross, crucible inclusions, etc.) related to the process.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design/maintenance of robotic programs used throughout our manufacturing process.

• Design and program management of fixtures used within the robotic processes.

• Support/train manufacturing operators on the use of automation within the process.

• Documentation of all changes to production programs for future correlation to downstream process outputs.

• Determination of key input variables within the automation process to ensure that process is robust against minor variations in casting dimensions.

• Determination/implementation of key output variables to validate that critical functions within a program/piece have completed successfully before running additional product.

NOTE:  Individual may need to flex across all shifts in order to execute duties as necessary

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High School or GED.

• Two-year technical degree or a minimum of 3 years’ related manufacturing programming experience.

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Motoman and/or Fanuc robots.

• Offline programming experience.

• Familiarity with fixture design for implementation in a robotic cell.

• Familiarity with CNC programming in addition to robotic programming.

• Familiarity with Motoman and Fanuc robots, including application of a 7th axis.
• Familiarity with Fanuc offline programming software.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to understand the needs from a team that has minimal exposure to robotic programming.
• Green Belt certification in Six Sigma is preferred; if applicant does not have Green Belt, then it will be required to achieve within 12 months of hire.
• Self-motivated.
• Attentive to details.
• Process oriented.
• Ability to maintain detailed documentation.
• Team oriented.
• Prior exposure / knowledge of statistical analysis.