Press Shop Engineer

Job Description

Production Shift In-Charge: Press Shop (10-12 Years Experience) Roles and Responsibilities: Manage and optimize the operation of advanced press machines (e.g., mechanical, hydraulic, and progressive presses). Monitor press shop operations to ensure that production schedules, quality standards, and safety regulations are met. Troubleshoot complex machine problems and provide quick resolutions to minimize downtime. Ensure that tooling and dies are correctly set up and maintained for optimal performance. Lead and manage a team of press operators, machine operators, and junior supervisors. Train and mentor new employees on machine operations, safety practices, and production workflows. Evaluate team performance and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Conduct regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned with production goals and schedules. Analyse production requirements and optimize the shift schedule to meet customer demands and deadlines. Adjust production plans and schedules based on machine performance, material availability, and workforce efficiency. Liaise with production planning and management teams to prioritize tasks and address any bottlenecks. Perform regular audits of parts being produced to ensure they meet stringent quality standards. Implement corrective actions and lead root cause analysis for any quality failures. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, reducing scrap rates, improving machine uptime, and enhancing process efficiency. Introduce process improvements such as lean manufacturing techniques (5S, Kaizen) to optimize workflow. Proactively monitor the condition of press machines, ensuring they are properly maintained and calibrated. Coordinate with maintenance teams for preventive maintenance or quick repairs to minimize downtime. Lead machine troubleshooting efforts during breakdowns and identify solutions to prevent recurring issues. Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries (e.g., machine guarding, PPE, lockout/tag out). Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies, conducting safety audits and addressing potential hazards. Investigate safety incidents and take corrective actions, ensuring compliance with OSHA and other safety standards. Maintain accurate records of production data, machine downtime, quality control checks, and shift performance. Provide comprehensive reports to management on production output, machine performance, and any operational issues. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency), scrap rates, and downtime. Oversee the availability of raw materials and ensure efficient inventory management. Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to manage material shortages or surpluses. Ensure the correct handling and storage of materials to avoid damage or wastage. Technical Skills: Deep understanding of different types of presses (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, progressive, and transfer presses). Expertise in setting up dies, tooling, and adjusting machines to achieve high precision in stamping and forming operations. Proficiency in diagnosing complex mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic issues related to press machines. Skilled in the use of diagnostic tools, including electrical meters, pressure gauges, and troubleshooting software. Expertise in lean manufacturing techniques (e.g., 5S, Six Sigma, TPM) to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance safety. Ability to analyse production data and implement changes to optimize throughput, reduce downtime, and minimize defects. Experience with advanced quality control systems, including in-process inspections, SPC (Statistical Process Control), and inspection tools (callipers, micrometres, gauges). Familiarity with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and ability to lead quality audits. Extensive knowledge of OSHA regulations and industry-specific safety standards. Experience in implementing and enforcing safety protocols on the shop floor. Hands-on experience with preventive maintenance schedules and troubleshooting of press machines. Knowledge of machine calibration and precision adjustments for different types of presses. General Skills: Leadership & Communication: Ability to motivate teams, address issues effectively, and communicate with all levels of the organization. Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong critical thinking skills to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues. Project Management: Ability to handle multiple production projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Continuous Improvement Mind-set: Focus on driving productivity, quality, and safety improvements.