Robot Programmer Lead

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.  KFI is adding to their team in preparation to meet strategic growth plans for 2025! 

SUMMARY                  

Set up, program, and operate an industrial computerized robot work cell including all support equipment.  Other duties may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• May be needed to come in on off hours during the week and weekends to trouble-shoot robots and assist maintenance in trouble-shooting robots.
• May be required to stay pass normal working hours to finish any projects that require him or her to put in extra time.
• Advises Robot Tenders in the proper performing of the robotic work cell.
• Demonstrates robot and system logic and functions and required reporting to new Robot Tenders and Finishers.
• Performs programming of new models on work cells.
• Works with Mold and Fixture, Shift Supervisors and Manufacturing Supervisor in determining fixturing, process parameters and change over required for these new models.
• Reads job specifications to determine system adjustments and material requirements.
• Enters process operating parameters into the computerized control systems.
• Engages necessary controls to activate the system.
• Monitors and adjusts when needed during operation.
• Observes system operation to detect product defects or system malfunction.
• Disassembles and reassembles various system process components (fixture carts, cutting tools, finishing equipment, etc.) associated with the production change over.
• Measures formed product dimensions to determine accuracy of machine operation and to verify conformance to specifications.
• Performs work center management tasks (runs ERP reports, plots information, maintains paperwork).
• Maintains documentation on all production processes; press reports, maintenance logs, set-up sheets, audit sheets and packing lists.
• Performs minor system and support equipment maintenance.
• Assists maintenance in all robotic troubleshooting.
• Performs troubleshooting procedures on robotic system problems (mechanical, electrical I/O, and PLC I/O troubleshooting).
• Reads and interprets production information (blueprints, packaging instructions, product specifications).
• Assists in the P.M. of robot equipment (testing computer boards, etc.)
• Assists in organizing the work cell structure and the maintenance of them (component placements, sequence of operations, etc.).
• Attends shift and required machine meetings.  Open to needs of Shift Supervisors and requests from various machine/robot groups.
• Communicate with Process Manager on ongoing projects.
• Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Responsibilities include: training robot tenders and resolving technical problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); two to four years of Thermoformer operation related experience.  One year of Robotic Machine Tender and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.  Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluency in English is required. The ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and the ability to effectively present information to all levels of employees including top management in a variety of settings is required. Proficiency in communicating effectively with non-English speakers, using translation devices or other appropriate methods, is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk and use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to extreme heat. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

WORK AVAILABLITY AND TRAVEL

Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work.