Foam Application Technician

Essential Responsibilities FIP Machine Operation & Process Control

• Set up, operate, and monitor FIP gasket equipment used to apply gasket material to doors, side panels, and other components.
• Operate the machine's PLC and control system, including selecting, creating, modifying, and saving jobs for various parts.
• Verify proper machine setup, job selection, material settings, and operating parameters prior to beginning production.
• Monitor machine operation and make appropriate adjustments to maintain consistent gasket placement and product quality.
• Understand machine set points and recognize abnormal operating conditions that could affect equipment, production, or product quality.
• Minimize material waste, downtime, equipment damage, and nonconforming products through proper process control.

Troubleshooting & Equipment Maintenance

• Identify and troubleshoot machine faults, alarms, error codes, and process issues.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of the FIP system, including the application nozzle and associated equipment.
• Understand the three-component chemical system used by the FIP equipment and recognize conditions that may affect material flow, application, or gasket quality.
• Communicate equipment issues that cannot be resolved at the operator level to Maintenance or appropriate supervisory personnel.

Quality, Blueprint Reading & Measurement

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and product specifications.
• Verify proper gasket placement, dimensions, measurements, and finished-product quality.
• Use calipers and other measuring equipment accurately.
• Apply strong math and measurement skills to ensure products meet established specifications.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns or nonconforming conditions.

Material Management

• Monitor FIP chemical and material levels to ensure adequate supplies are available for scheduled production.
• Recognize material conditions that could negatively affect machine performance or finished-product quality.
• Communicate replenishment needs and material concerns before they impact production.

Assembly & Production Support

• Safely and effectively use hand tools and other equipment required for machine setup, adjustments, minor maintenance, assembly, and production activities.
• Assist with assembly and other production activities as needed to support departmental and plant requirements.
• Maintain awareness of production priorities and upcoming jobs to ensure required components are completed on schedule.
• Review work orders, production information, and schedules to anticipate upcoming requirements and prioritize work accordingly.

Shipping & Material Coordination

• Prepare completed products and materials for shipment.
• Complete required billing and shipping documentation.
• Verify shipment quantities and ensure the correct number of parts, skids, and components are prepared for each shipment.
• Locate jobs, work orders, components, and materials throughout the facility and determine their status when information is not readily available.
• Maintain awareness of incoming and outgoing truck schedules and shipping priorities.
• Coordinate loading, paperwork, shipment information, and other shipping requirements with truck drivers and internal personnel.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies involving work orders, quantities, material locations, and shipment requirements.

Communication & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Communicate effectively with Production, Shipping, Maintenance, Supervision, and other departments.
• Proactively identify upcoming production or shipping needs that could affect schedules.
• Maintain sufficient knowledge of related production and shipping processes to provide support when needed.
• Assist with or provide basic training to employees on FIP machine operation, shipping procedures, work order identification, and other responsibilities within the scope of the position.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and specifications.
• Strong mathematical and measurement skills.
• Ability to properly use calipers and other measuring equipment.
• Ability to operate and navigate PLC and machine-control systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Ability to safely and effectively use hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to independently locate information, work orders, parts, and materials.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with multiple departments and manage changing priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, grasp, and safely handle parts, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to safely perform work associated with FIP operations, assembly, production, and shipping.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and established work practices.
• Properly use all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves, and additional PPE required when working with FIP chemicals or equipment.
• Follow established procedures for the safe handling, use, and storage of chemicals associated with the FIP process.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential hazards to the appropriate personnel.

Key Competencies

• Mechanical Aptitude
• Technical Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Focus
• Organization & Time Management
• Communication
• Production Coordination
• Shipping Coordination
• Independent Decision-Making
• Adaptability & Prioritization