Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Leatherman Tool Group, the leading manufacturer of multi-tools, is seeking talented individuals to join our growing team. With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and a commitment to delivering exceptional products, you'll be part of a culture that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. We prioritize quality, environmental responsibility and operational excellence in our manufacturing processes. Join us at Leatherman Tool Group and contribute to our mission of creating innovative tools that empower people to take on the expected and unexpected, resulting in real tales of triumph.

Position Summary

Support overall business objectives of lean and SQDC&G on the Operational Excellence team through continuous improvement. Perform a variety of engineering work in designing and building automation of manufacturing machinery. The Manufacturing Automation Engineer plans/specs/designs automation equipment/process, assembly tooling, and assembly line layout. Ensures compliance with industry safety and design standards and guidelines. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of engineering projects. Work is independent and collaborative in nature.

Essential Functions

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions to optimize the efficiency and reliability of complex manufacturing processes, with a focus on grinding machines, CNCs, polishing equipment, riveters, and other automated machinery at Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand manufacturing requirements and translate them into effective automation strategies, ensuring seamless integration with existing equipment and workflows.
• Respond promptly to production issues, conduct root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions to minimize disruptions and optimize equipment performance.
• Participate in the development and execution of capital projects related to automation, including feasibility studies, cost estimates, and project management.
• Program and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other control systems to enhance the performance and accuracy of manufacturing processes.

• Collaborate with equipment vendors and suppliers to evaluate and select automation components, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and meeting performance requirements.
• Develop and improve production methods, including production flow, tooling, assembly methods, and production equipment. Ensure cells/business units are operating at optimum levels by effective use of materials, equipment, and personnel. 
• Develop, document, test and evaluate processes, techniques and equipment for new automated manufacturing equipment to improve output, quality, and process capability.  Develop and design production aids, fixtures, tooling, and gages for improved production efficiency and for new product implementation. 
• Investigate, specify and prepare justification for new capital equipment or for upgrades or modifications to existing equipment. This may include design of special production machinery and managing installation process.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross functional areas to ensure projects are introduced to manufacturing in an effective manner.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Automation, Electrical or other related engineering discipline.
• Six or more years of experience which provides knowledge of manufacturing processes in industry and documents utilization of advanced problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting large scale automation-based CAPEX engineering projects for production through programming of robotics, vision, part presenting, PLC’s etc.
• Experience building prototype tooling and programming in process development lab to prove feasibility of complex/high-risk processes prior to final design.
• Experience programming industrial, collaborative, and SCARA FANUC robots.
• Experience with programming Keyence vision systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the principles of operation, reliability and performance characteristics of process measurement instrumentation, analyzers, control valves, and VFDs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fixture design methodology.

Preferred Skills

• Solid modeling CAD experience preferred.
• Familiarity with CNC grinding equipment, Fanuc vision and robotics.
• Problem solving skills using tools such as DMAIC, Pareto Charts, Ishikawa Diagram, five-why etc.
• Experience with capability studies, GR&R, control charts, design of experiment.
• Experience with statistical analysis using software such as Minitab or R preferred.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with Microsoft Power Platform, BI, App,etc. Strong computer knowledge with demonstrated experience in Excel, using Pivot Charts, VLOOKUP.
• Familiarity with process layout, including product based manual assembly workstations, cellular layout, functional layout.
• Familiarity with labor and material variance analysis for justification of continuous improvement projects related to automation-based CAPEX project.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently sit; use hands to handle, grasp, or keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee occasionally stands or walks; climbs; stoops or crouches; and pushes/pulls. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 5 lbs., and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 55 lbs. The employee frequently pushes/pulls an average of 40 lbs., and occasionally pushes/pulls up to 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions/Physical Hazards

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment, and occasionally exposed to production environment. Work area is well lit and air conditioned. All employees are expected to adhere to Company safety policies and wear personal protective equipment when exposed to work areas or performing tasks where it is required. Position can be hybrid or in-office setting based on business need. Employees working hybrid must be flexible to work in-office as required for work assignments, meetings, etc.

We care about the Health and Wellbeing of our Employees

Leatherman believes having healthy employees contributes to a healthy and productive workplace and community. While we're all responsible for our own overall health and well-being, Leatherman works toward helping employees make healthy lifestyle choices and changes that improve their health and overall quality of life through its many Health and Wellbeing Resources.

• Medical/dental/vision
• Free/low cost on-site primary care health center
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Behavioral health programs
• Pet insurance
• Onsite health coaching
• Lifestyle and fitness programs
• Tuition assistance
• Employee volunteer program
• Generous employee discounts
• Onsite fitness center
• Paid time off

Core Values

We thrill our consumers with quality, products and service; We care about each other’s well-being; We share ideas, challenge each other and do the right thing; We respect each other, show humility and grow from our failures; We foster the development of individuals to reach their greatest potential.

Mission

We create innovative products that prepare people for the expected and unexpected and result in real tales of triumph.

Vision

Our vision is to be the global multipurpose brand of choice.

Leatherman Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

For more information on Leatherman, visit our Careers page:

https://www.leatherman.com/careers