Production Tech - Swing Shift

BETTER IS BETTER: There is no finish line; we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. We obsess over every detail to find ways to improve both our products and our process.

UNAPOLOGETICALLY ACCOUNTABLE: We're open and honest in how we speak and listen. We celebrate each other's successes, and collectively rally to solve every challenge. We own it!

COURAGEOUS INNOVATION: There are elegant ideas awaiting discovery in everything we do. We push everyone around us to pursue those ideas openly so we can continue to dominate the category.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN: As a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us. The Production Technician role encompasses all direct labor positions within the Assembly department. Technicians are responsible for following written and oral instructions to perform a variety of assembly operations to assemble small parts into functioning knives. This may include Laser/Engrave, Serrate, Sharpening, Clean/Box, Prep, Material Handling, Taumel, Assembly, and other processes within the Assembly department. This role performs fittings and alignments to ensure free action of moveable parts. The Technician also performs cosmetic inspection of the components as they are assembling in order to ensure a high-quality standard. Once inspected, the Technician tests the knife to ensure functionality and performs minor troubleshooting of any problems. This includes meeting established production, quality, and performance metrics and communicating issues immediately to their lead or process technicians if an issue is to arise. The Production Technician participates in continuous improvement activities as assigned. Technicians may be assigned additional responsibilities, including support of engineering in process development, troubleshooting, validation, and training of fellow operators in skills and functions they've mastered. This position offers a structured, skill-based development path with five progressive levels, providing opportunities for growth. Production Tech I - Entry level position characterized by manual operations and basic equipment operations. Familiarity with basic systems (MES Lite) and processes such as quality, safety, speed, and standard work interpretation. All assembly, boxing, and prep functions. Entry level through basic mechanisms such as manual axis lock, fixed blades, push button auto, and assist. Must be able to build independently 50 knives/day and at box, must be able to process 250 knives/day. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory. Production Tech II - Intermediate position characterized by level I mastery and continued qualifications at an entry level in Assembly. Can build all basic assemblies independently. Understanding of collaborative assembly. In addition, must acquire competency in 2 or more of either taumel, hydro press, or material handling and must be able to meet cell takt times at collaborative. All assembly to include collaborative, boxing, and prep functions, material handling, taumel, hydro press. Intermediate level through mechanisms such as manual axis lock, fixed blades, push button auto, OTF's and assist. Must be able to build independently 65 knives/day, must meet stated takt times at collaborative, and at box must be able to process 430 knives/day. Demonstrated proficiency in Assembly Material Handling. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory. Production Tech III - Senior operators for Assembly. Entry level for laser engrave, serrate, sharpening, CBN, and buffing. Demonstrated proficiency with all mechanisms and ability to meet or exceed stated production goals and/or entry into one or more of the following programs - completion of the cleaning training and associated safety trainings, Laser Engrave training program, enrollment in Sharpening training program, displayed competency on at least 1 serrate machine and completion of required trainings. Proficient at building all mechanism varieties. Able to build independently 80 knives/day and meet stated takttimes at collaborative. Cleaners should be able to process 430 knives/day. Avg. uptime on laser or serrate of 60% Familiarity with appropriate sharpening/buffing techniques. Must be able to sharpen 120 knives/day or buff 240 knives/day. CBN sharpening 60/day and CBN buffing 120/day. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory. Production Tech IV – Intermediate position for Sharpening/Buffing and Laser/Serrate operators. Demonstrated proficiency withoperation of Laser/Engrave machines and completion of Laser/Engrave training and either WS1 or WS3. Average uptime on laser or serrate of 80%. Ability to sharpen all basic drop point, clip point, and recurve models with a scrap rate of 5% or less at a rate of 240 knives/day for sharpen or 360 knives/day for buffing or 100 knives/day for CBN sharpening. Quality, safety, and speed shouldbe satisfactory. Production Tech V – Senior operator level for Sharpening/Buffing, and Laser/Serrate operators. Demonstrated proficiency with operation of Laser/Engrave machines and completion of Laser/Engrave training and both WS1 and WS3. Average uptime on laser or serrate of 90%. Ability to sharpen all models with a scrap rate of 5% or less at a rate of 360 knives/day for sharpening or 480 knives/day for buffing or 140 knives/day for CBN sharpening. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory.

Job Responsibilities: Assemble knives from components using small manual and semi-automatic hand tools and fixtures. Visually inspect parts used in knife assembly to ensure they meet cosmetic requirements. Perform minor troubleshooting of problems while assembling components. Use Andon signals to notify the lead of any issues. Complete required documentation. May be moved throughout department to support department needs. Cross-train at various assembly functions. Which may include prepping sub-assemblies, laser mark and serration, sharpening, or cleaning and packaging of sharpened knives. Actively participates in continuous improvement teams and supports a continuous improvement culture in the area by striving to help meet the department's challenges while working towards the company vision. Consistently meet daily production, cycle time, quality, and safety requirements. Sustain proficient level or higher for all categories described as necessary in the skills matrix for this position. Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of work area.

Working Environment: Production floor Position

Physical Demands: Lifting up to 25 lbs., sitting and standing for long periods of time.

Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 5% of the time. Standard PPE is required for this position including: Grinding, pressing, or basic assembly could produce flying particles of metal which can cause eye and skin injuries. Wear safety glasses. Falling objects could present a foot hazard. Closed-toed shoes are always required for all positions in the manufacturing area. Some positions may require safety toe and metatarsal protection. Handling sharp blades can cause lacerations and punctures of the hands and fingers. Cut resistant gloves are available for handling sharp knives. Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment (exposure to noise, coolants, abrasives, heat, adhesives, and automated and manual equipment.