Manufacturing Operations Associate Jobs in Tennessee

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Manufacturing Engineering Technician serves as the primary technical resource for the manufacturing facility, supporting production through advanced electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, equipment reliability, technical documentation, continuous improvement, and product development.
Working under the direction of the Manufacturing Manager, this position supports the operation, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing equipment, including custom-built production systems, while partnering with Maintenance, Production, equipment vendors, and external engineering resources.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Equipment & Technical Support
• Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, mechanical, pneumatic, and process-related equipment issues.
• Troubleshoot and support PLC-controlled equipment, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, and industrial electrical systems.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Support equipment startups, modifications, and capital improvement projects.
• Provide after-hours technical support for critical equipment failures when necessary.
Documentation
Maintain and update:
• Electrical schematics
• Mechanical drawings (SolidWorks)
• Bills of Material (BOM)
• Spare parts lists
• Equipment documentation
• Troubleshooting guides
• Preventive maintenance procedures
Reliability & Continuous Improvement
• Improve equipment reliability through preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Assist in developing standardized troubleshooting and maintenance practices.
Engineering Support
• Coordinate with outside engineering consultants, equipment vendors, and contractors.
• Support implementation of new equipment and process improvements.
• Assist the Manufacturing Manager with technical evaluations, equipment modifications, and long-term equipment planning.
Product Development
• Support the development and introduction of new products into manufacturing.
• Assist with process development, equipment modifications, tooling, and manufacturing trials for new products.
• Evaluate processes and recommend improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and production readiness.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Operations during product launches and process validation.
Requirements
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Required
• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
Preferred:
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and working with PLC diagnostic software.
• Experience with industrial controls, sensors, HMIs, and instrumentation.
• Experience supporting custom-built manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks.
• Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
• Industrial electrical systems and controls
• Motor controls and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• PLC diagnostics
• Pneumatic and mechanical systems
• Root Cause Analysis
• Equipment reliability
• Technical documentation
• Continuous improvement
• Product development support
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Success in this role will be measured by:
• Improved equipment uptime and reliability
• Reduced downtime through effective troubleshooting
• Accurate and current technical documentation
• Successful completion of improvement and product development projects
• Support of safe, efficient manufacturing operations
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to occasionally sit, climb or balance; the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear
WORK ENVIRONMENT: the employee is occasionally required to work in high, precarious places; may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; extreme heat (non-weather); risk of electrical shock; the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts