Shakespeare- Product Development Technician

Company	JadexSee more
Address	Columbia, SC
Form of work	Full-Time
Category	Information Technology

Job description

SHAKESPEARE COMPANY LLC, a Jadex Inc. company, is a US-based manufacturer of both industrial and consumer products for a wide variety of industries and applications.
Shakespeare® industrial products are tailored to the customer's unique needs and include custom engineered nylon resins, performance monofilaments, and conductive fibers used as raw materials in finished goods ranging from automotive components to medical applications. The company operates under the Shakespeare®, Rino-Tuff®, and Weed Warrior® brands in the lawn & garden category and is a major player in the mass merchant channel as the primary universal fit solution for trimmer line, heads, and accessories. The brand is known worldwide within the marine electronics industry for marine radio antennas with a portfolio of connectivity solutions and accessories to help keep boaters connected and safe. Maintaining communications is of utmost importance to military forces across the world and Shakespeare®'s line of military antenna products plays a critical role in achieving mission success.
Position Summary
This role assists R&D Engineers/Managers and Product Development Tech. I in new Product Development by planning and conducting development trials, conducting product testing, analyzing problems, identifying root causes, and recommending improvements. Additionally, this position assists R&D Engineers/Managers with providing technical support to other departments and customers.

Assist R&D Engineers/Managers with planning and execution of extrusion trials. Prepare equipment & materials for trials. Maintain accurate and organized records of trial processes, results and procedures.

Operate efficiently compounding, mono-component, and bi-component extruders, with assistance. Must have the aptitude to operate any extrusion machine, equipment, additive systems, as required, and understand processing requirements of different polymers.

Must have the aptitude to satisfy all requirements of Level 3 Extrusion Operator:

Must be able to cook out, flush or "ajax" an extruder according to standard procedure.
Must understand and demonstrate the ability to follow established die change and die cleaning intervals for product being run.
Must understand the different types of die packs used and understand the installation and removal procedures relating to each type of pack.
Must be able to string up and separate lines through the process with assistance from another operator.
Must be able to set up winder traverse according to process specifications.
Must be able to operate and monitor two extruders with assistance.
Must be able to put extruder godet stands incorrect gear ratio for product being produced.
Must be able to recognize quality problems based on QA data, NWA charts, and visual inspections, process monitoring and to take appropriate corrective action
Must be able to set additive equipment to process and keep additive equipment filled.

Support the Product Development Tech I with both routine & non-routine maintenance on R&D extrusion line including, but not limited to machine set-up, pull and clean screw, re-gear roll stands, install pump, and minor equipment repairs.

Conduct both standard and non-standard testing related to Product Development and/or technical support.

Troubleshoot equipment, processes and products in the R&D area.

Contribute to the planning and implementation of multiple projects or tasks with minimal supervision while meeting project timeline requirements. Work together with PD Tech. I and R&D Polymer Associate as a self-directed team.

Work with new, non-standard chemicals, polymers, and additives. Assist R&D Engineers/Managers in developing safe handling, operating & processing procedures.

Assist R&D Engineers/Managers with technical support functions relating to the scale-up/commercialization of R&D products. In addition, assist with providing technical support to other departments as well as customers.

Recommend and implement safety, equipment and process improvements in R&D.

Communicate and work with other team members, associates in other departments, as well as other engineers and management associates. Maintain a positive attitude while conducting trials or when there is a change in plans or scheduled activities.

Secondary Functions

Maintain a safe and clean work area and assist with housekeeping in common areas. Take steps to identify and correct unsafe actions and conditions. Promote good safety and housekeeping within the department.
Must have exemplary work record with no written or pattern of oral disciplinary action relating to work performance or attendance.
Basic use of computers, specifically the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Train and teach other associates by sharing his/her knowledge and skills with other associates.
Maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to accept change and present change in a positive manner to other team members.
Willing to perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment:

Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Ability to bend, climb, kneel, sit, and walk (short periods) and stand (long periods of 6-8 hours)
Ability to use motorized equipment (forklift, pallet jack)
Hand /finger agility: grasp, move, adjust
Manufacturing environment: not uniformly heated / cooled, exposure to dust/ fumes
PPE: steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses

Required Education and Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent, required.
Associates degree in relevant technical field, preferred.

Prior extrusion experience with the ability to meet all job requirements of Extrusion Operator Level 3, preferred.
Forklift license for both gas & electric lifts and pallet jacks.
Certified in Lockout/Tagout as an authorized associate.
Experience with plastic processing technique or characterization.
Excellent computer skills.

Required Training, competencies, and skills:

New employee orientation
- PPE, Emergency action plan, MSDS, Chemicals in area, Asbestos, Bloodborne pathogens, First aid, Forklift awareness, LOTO, Confined space, Work area safety awareness, Electrical safety, Hot work permit, Line break, Roof access, Machine guarding, Safety absolutes
Quality system orientation
Forklift license for gas & electric lifts and pallet jacks.
Certified in Lockout/Tagout as an authorized associate.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties.
Jadex Inc and its Businesses do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Other details