Engineering Technician

Join us at Kreg Tool!

Kreg Tool is proud to be an employee-owned company that manufactures a wide variety of tools, accessories, and equipment for woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers. Guided by a unique purpose and values, we are driven to provide quality products to customers, are fully committed to employees, and are dedicated to the community. We aspire to give employees the tools they need to achieve personal growth and success throughout their career. Each employee is a valuable member of our team, all working together to co-create our futures by serving our customers, community, and one another.

Headquartered in a beautiful new campus in Ankeny, Iowa (just off I-35 north of Des Moines), Kreg creates products that are available throughout North America in the nation’s major home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards. We recognize the importance of work-life integration and the health of our employees and acknowledge this through a flexible schedule and competitive benefits package. Beyond medical, vision, and dental benefits, Kreg also offers a “dress for your day” dress code, onsite fitness center, annual bonus opportunity, and volunteer time off, as well as paid parental leave, and tuition and wellness reimbursement.

Engineer Technician

The Engineering Technician is a key role in continuous improvement initiatives supporting engineering and manufacturing operations. This role is a part of the Operations Support team, working cross functionally with many departments including New Product Development, Packaging Engineers, Quality, Maintenance, Product Managers, Supply Chain, and Marketing. This person plays a key role in getting products into production, and process improvements in operations. This person collaborates on a variety of projects including creating fixtures for new and current products, leading teams in reviewing and improving operations processes, and assisting in new production cells.

So, What’s the Gig?

• Operate a wide range of shop equipment and tools to create and fabricate parts, fixtures, tooling, and other components.
• Work closely with engineers and team members to contribute to project development and problem-solving efforts.
• Interpret and comprehend mechanical prints/drawings and electrical line diagrams to facilitate accurate assembly and troubleshooting.
• Apply lean principles, including Kaizen, set-up reduction, Poka-Yoke (error-proofing), and one-piece flow to identify areas for improvement and lead Kaizen improvement activities.
• Analyze and enhance operations sequences, material flow, quality specifications, safety protocols, and ergonomics to optimize worker functions and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills to convey ideas and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Diagnose, repair, and replace damaged or malfunctioning equipment, ranging from small parts to plant machinery.
• Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
• Be flexible and willing to perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals of the team and organization.

What We’re Looking For:

• Associate degree or combined equivalent experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2-4 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment required.
• Previous experience managing multiple projects and facilitating/participating in Kaizen events required.
• Experience with 3D modeling and 2D CAD software preferred
• Use of manual mills, manual lathes, general shop tools, welding and general metal working preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities We’re Looking For:

• Proficiency in operating a variety of shop equipment and tools.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical prints/drawings and electrical line diagrams.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication and multitasking skills.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate cross functionally across the operations team.

Competencies:

Customer Focus

Having an internal/external customer focus involves prioritizing the needs, preferences, and expectations of customers in a credible way. A person with customer focus works to understand pain points and develop ingenious solutions that are simplified. Having a customer focus ensures an ongoing commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction in a way that builds long-lasting relationships that in turn drives sustainable growth.

Authenticity

Authenticity is being genuine and credible while achieving a sense of accomplishment. This involves honesty and transparency in one's actions and interactions while avoiding pretense and deceptions. An authentic person creates meaningful connections, builds trust with others, and achieves a sense of accomplishment that fosters innovation and personal growth.

Courage

Courage is the ability to take assertive action while collaborating with others in a respectful and supportive manner. This involves working collaboratively with others while being confident, proactive, and decisive in the achievement of shared goals. Exercising courage through respectful behavior and supportive action team members can inspire others to act with integrity, use their voice, take risks, and achieve full potential.

Adaptability

Adaptability involves adjusting to change, diversity, and new ideas while being supportive, respectful, and approachable. It encompasses gracefully navigating evolving circumstances, demonstrating resilience, and actively seeking and incorporating constructive feedback for continuous improvement within the organization.

Innovation

Innovation is the process of creating or improving processes and products that are ingenious and fueled by growth mindset. It involves the application of new ideas, methods, or technologies to solve problems, meet customer needs, and create new opportunities that are approachable. Innovative ideas are often the result of thinking outside the box, challenging assumptions, and taking calculated risks.