Manufacturing Technician
The Manufacturing (Process) Technician will be responsible for the development, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of extrusion manufacturing processes. The role ensures production readiness through the development and maintenance of process documentation, tooling requirements, equipment specifications, quality controls, and manufacturing standards.
The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Maintenance teams to drive process capability, productivity, quality, and cost improvements while maintaining high standards of Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) performance.
ESSENTIAL
Develop, implement, optimize, and sustain extrusion manufacturing processes.
Lead process validation activities including trials, capability studies, first-off approvals, and process qualification.
Define and maintain process parameters, control plans, setup standards, and manufacturing specifications.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensure successful transfer from development into production.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, Risk Assessments, and Process FMEAs.
Monitor and improve key process metrics including yield, scrap, throughput, OEE, cycle times, energy consumption, and quality performance.
Investigate process deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints using structured problem-solving methodologies.
Identify and implement continuous improvement projects to enhance safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to resolve technical issues and improve process reliability.
Lead process capability assessments and establish control measures for critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics.
Develop manufacturing cost models and support capacity planning activities.
Analyse production data and generate reports to support business decision-making.
Provide day-to-day technical support to extrusion operations and manufacturing personnel.
Support training and competency development of operators, technicians, and engineers.
Participate in HSE initiatives including observations, risk reduction activities, and continuous improvement programs.
Perform other duties as required by the business.
REQUIRED
Minimum HNC (or equivalent) in a technical discipline or demonstrable experience in extrusion manufacturing or a related continuous process manufacturing environment.
Experience developing and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Strong understanding of process capability, statistical analysis, and manufacturing quality systems.
Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing data analysis tools.
Proficient in Solidworks
DESIRED
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
Experience with polymer, thermoplastic, elastomer, cable, tubing, or composite extrusion processes.
Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
Experience with SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, and APQP methodologies.
Awareness of automation, PLC controls, and process monitoring systems.