Lead Machine Operator

Join our fast-paced, high energy, thriving company! We experienced over 80% growth In 2023 and have more continued growth opportunities for 2024 and beyond. TLC Electronics is celebrating 40 years of business as an Electro-Mechanical Component Distributor and Wire and Cable Harness Manufacturer. TLC's ownership continues to re-invest funds into the company and promotes a family-oriented work environment. We are always thriving for excellence and continue to move forward with each new challenge. At TLC Electronics, we strive everyday to "Work together to enhance the lives of others"!

Job Purpose:
This role is responsible for allocating wire cutting equipment and personnel to ensure production schedules and expectations are met. The Machine Operator Lead provides effective training to the wire cutting area and ensures safety, quality, and productivity standards are maintained at all times.

Employee Oversight
Core Responsibility
• Assign machine operators to jobs based on their skill sets and abilities
• Monitor job status and employee performance on active jobs
• Complete training documentation for each job/employee
• Oversee Level I, II, and III employees during machine set-up
• Compete line clearance after jobs are complete
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues

Documentation and Training
Core Responsibility
• Provide skills and job training for new employees on company processes, procedures, equipment, and documents
• Pick parts to jobs as required by job traveler
• Record the necessary information to ensure accurate job documentation
• Complete actions in ERP system to document inventory and process completion
• Develop and document new processes

Communications
Core Responsibility
• Communicate job related status or issues with Production, Quality, and Engineering supervisors or managers
• Attend meetings to discuss job statuses and issues
• Report or request changes to processes to better assembler safety, part quality, or cost savings

Safety and Cleanliness
Core Responsibility
• Adhere to all safety regulations
• Identify and report any safety concerns
• Maintain a clean work environment by cleaning work station, equipment, and plant areas as assigned

Quality Assurance
Core Responsibility
• Read and interpret prints to ensure wire and cable is cut to customer specification
• Inspect cut wires to ensure wires and cables meet IPC standards
• Draft Nonconformance documents and quarantine products that are defective

Machine Operation
Secondary Responsibility
• Set up and operate any wire processing machine
• Operate multiple machines simultaneously
• Set-up applicators to meet IPC standards for crimping
• Exchange cutting blades, rollers, and guide tubes to match the wire being processed
• Complete advanced maintenance and PM work on wire processing machines
• Count and bundle cut wires per process sheet
• Operate machines effectively to minimize scrap
• Sort and remove defective parts or products
• Support and inspect work of all other Machine Operators as needed
• Support production team with applicator set-up and troubleshooting

Other Duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Ability to set-up and operate all machines related to wire/cable processing.
• Ability to motivate and effectively communicate with employees.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor with the ability to communicate with personnel throughout all levels of the organization.
• Ability to operate all wire processing machines.
• High mechanical aptitude.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical problems.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to collect and analyze information.
• Effectively handles changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of wire cutting capabilities and techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively use tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to gather, analyze and present data.
• Math skills including the ability to solve fractions, addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication problems.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and process problems.
• Knowledge of wire harness and connector manufacturing process.
• Sense of urgency and self-motivation; ability to work independently with minimal direction from Production Manager.
• Able to question or identify the need for additional / missing information such as dimensions or tolerances.

Qualifications:
Minimum
• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of related experience in machine operation.
• Experience operating automated machinery for wire and cable processing.
• Familiar with manufacturing documentation standards (BOM, ECO, revision control, drawing interpretation).
• Familiar with RoHS and non-RoHS materials.
• Familiar with ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 quality standards.
• Familiar with an ERP system.

Preferred:
• Experience leading teams or projects strongly desired.
• Lean manufacturing and continual process improvement experience.
• Knowledge of engineering principles.
• Experience with Komax brand wire processing machinery.