Position Summary:
The Programming Process Owner provides technical leadership for robotic programming and process development supporting the manufacture of Equiaxed and Directionally Solidified investment castings. This role is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing robotic programs for shell and ACME robotic grinding operations, ensuring compliance with company and customer requirements, supporting new product introduction, and driving continuous process improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
Own and support robotic programming processes for shell and ACME robotic grinding operations. Develop, validate, approve, and maintain part-specific robotic programs and associated process parameters. Ensure manufacturing processes comply with internal standards, customer specifications, and quality requirements. Monitor critical process controls and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for process and product nonconformities. Develop and optimize robotic grinding methods, tooling strategies, and process parameters to improve quality, cycle time, and operational efficiency. Support capital equipment and automation projects, including equipment specification, technical requirements development, installation, commissioning, validation, and production implementation. Develop technical requirements and engineering specifications for new robotic and automated manufacturing equipment. Collaborate with Part Engineering, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to implement best practices and support production objectives. Support new product introduction activities through process development, programming validation, and production readiness activities. Evaluate process performance using data analysis and implement improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Develop and maintain process documentation, standards, work instructions, and training materials. Provide technical support and training for robotic programming, robotic grinding, and manufacturing processes. Serve as a backup programmer for CNC and EDM operations as required.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience. Experience in investment casting manufacturing. Experience programming and troubleshooting ABB robotic systems using RAPID. Experience with robotic grinding, material removal processes, or automated finishing operations preferred. Knowledge of PLCs and ladder logic. Demonstrated success leading technical projects and delivering results. Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience preferred. Technical Skills Strong understanding of robotic manufacturing processes, process development, automation, process control, and continuous improvement. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, customer specifications, and technical documentation. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
Core Competencies:
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
