Who We Are:
Challenge Manufacturing is a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier to a growing portfolio of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers. Since 1981, Challenge Manufacturing has grown from a very small shop in Walker, Michigan to 12 locations across North America with 4,000 team members supported by 1,500 industrial robots.
What Makes Us Different?
Challenge Manufacturing is an employee-owned company and is currently ranked in the top 50 largest employee-owned companies in North America. Being an employee-owned company enables the Company to maintain a collaborative and teamwork-oriented work culture. Additionally, over time as the company grows, employees will share in that upside financially through ESOP retirement benefits.
Challenge is #PeoplePowered!
POSITION PURPOSE
Provide production support by performing setup, troubleshooting and operations of automated welding cells within the production facility, as well as implementing best practices and proactively assess welding/robotic applications
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Follow all safety procedures and protocols while servicing or maintaining equipment
- Machine cleaning
- Proficiency and understanding of the use of hand measurement tools
- Perform weld tip/cap changes and weld gun maintenance
- Perform change over process of stationary welders, change out cells, automated cells
- Perform preventative maintenance on fixtures and cells including proper lubrication of components
- Able to run Red Rabbit process and troubleshoot issues if a failure occurs (i.e., properly adjust sensors or switches)
- Basic understanding of weld fixture adjustment process
- Understanding of types/uses/replacement and setup of common sensors
- Basic welding technology troubleshooting (i.e., resistance spot welding applications, weld tip inspection, tip force, shunt cable inspection/replacement, etc.), GMAW component knowledge and troubleshooting (i.e., nozzle, tip, diffuser inspection, inspection/replacement of gooseneck, welding torch, etc.)
- Plex utilization (Documentation, locate parts and components in Plex directory, work orders, find set-up documentation, down time codes)
- Basic knowledge of dispense systems (i.e., changing barrels properly, visual inspection of system), replacement of nozzles, fittings or components)
- Nut feeder operational understanding and when needed adjustment (i.e., inspection for proper level of nuts, spear alignment, clearing a jam condition)
- Basic cell resets (i.e., Homing cell, robot, and tooling)
- Touching up of robotic programmed points within a program
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Ability to read and interpret job element sheets
- Ability to navigate teach pendant or flex pendant
- Ability to manually manipulate a robot or external axes
- Ability to use hand tools properly
- Use of hand measuring tools (volt meters, micrometers, calipers, tape measures)
- Ability to practice and follow Challenge’s safety policy and procedures
- Ability to locate and troubleshoot the root cause of issues
- Understanding of welding processes
- Ability to lift/move material weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work as a contributing member within team environment
BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS
- Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
- Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.
- Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
- Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
- Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.
- Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.
- Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.
- Updates and relays pertinent information to oncoming shift
- Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely.
- Must be able to understand and follow written and verbal workplace instructions
- Must be able to work up to 12 hours per day including Saturday and Sunday
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITY
This position has no supervisor responsibility.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Frequent exposure to noise, fumes, dirt, heat, sparks, and smoke
- May also be exposed to water, vibration, dust, grease, and oil
- Exposure to high and low voltage components and systems
- Frequently walks, bends, twists, turns, and lifts while performing functions of position
- Moderate-sized equipment used around work area
- Possible cuts, scrapes, burns or bruises
- Eye protection required; hearing protection required; cut resistant arm guards required; cut resistant gloves required
- Frequently entering weld cells with high-speed heavy equipment
- Frequent exposure to pinch points, rotating equipment
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education
- High School Graduate or equivalent
- Industrial truck and aerial platform licenses
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft applications (i.e., word, excel, outlook, etc.)
- Successful completion of Weld Tech curriculum with passing grade (including external candidates)
- Successful completion of Weld Tech trainee period (excluding external candidates)
- Weld Tech trainees must successfully complete a probationary period and corresponding qualification card
Experience
Internal Candidates
- 1 year minimum of work experience as a Weld Operator
External Candidates
- 2 year minimum experience with automated welding applications
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Experience
- 2 year technical degree preferred
- Experience with ABB and Fanuc robots
- PC and keyboard/mouse skills
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without written notice.
Benefits We Offer:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, Company-Paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life, Voluntary Life and LTD, Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.