About this role
POSITION PURPOSE
A Machine Programmer is both technical and strategic, with a strong focus on optimizing material use and reducing waste. They play an important part in ensuring that the production process is cost-effective and efficient by creating layouts that maximize the use of sheet metal. Additionally, their ability to understand blueprints and work closely with engineers and production teams is crucial for translating design specifications into machine-readable programs that ensure accuracy and smooth manufacturing.
Leads and demonstrates BAC's values of Earning Trust, Embracing Responsibility, Showing Courage, and Driving Innovation. The Machine Programmer will also be required to train and mentor junior programmers and assist the department leadership team with daily assignments as directed. The purpose for every position at BAC regardless of department or level can be summed up as doing the right thing in the right way.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES CAD/CAM Programming: Path Generation: Creating the tool paths that guide the cutting, bending, or pressing process. Must account for the machine's capabilities, like speed, tool types, and material thickness, to optimize performance. Machine Parameters: Setting the right parameters (such as feed rates, cutting speeds, and tooling) based on the material being used and the specific machine requirements. Interpreting Blueprints and Design Drawings: Understanding Dimensions and Tolerances. Part Orientation. Identifying Features and Details. Material and Thickness Specifications. Part Nesting Optimization. Coordination with Engineering. Part Layout and Arrangement.
Quality Control: Measuring Part Dimensions. Tolerance Checking. Inspection Tools. Cutting Accuracy. Functionality Testing. Inspection Frequency and Sampling
Understanding Production Demand: Job Prioritization & Lead Times Collaborating with Production Teams: Communication, Resource Allocation, Material Availability.
Balancing Efficiency and Demand: Maximizing Machine Utilization, Minimizing Material Waste: Scheduling and Time Management: Setting Realistic Timeframes, Tracking and Monitoring Progress, Optimizing for Downtime. Coordinating With Other Departments: Engineering and Design. Continuous Improvement
Troubleshooting Nesting Patterns, Machine Errors, Material Inconsistencies, and Workflow Issues: Material Waste. Part Overlap. Incorrect Tool Path Generation. Part Orientation Issues. Re-Analyze the Nesting Layout. Optimize Nesting Software Settings. Verify Material Parameters. Manual Adjustments. Machine Calibration. Tool Wear or Damage. Software Communication Problems. Machine Malfunctions. Material Thickness Variations. Material Defects. Material Handling. Production Bottlenecks
NATURE & SCOPE
Reports to the Team Leader, Station Leader or other supervisor as assigned. Provides hands on leadership and mentoring to junior mechanics as well as be prepared to fulfill department leadership roles as needed. As a senior mechanic, expertise may be requested to participate on regional project teams. Expectation is to operate as an influencer and subject matter expert
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS • Effective written communication including documentation of processes, and the communication of those processes with fellow mechanics. Ability to communicate to supervisors and co-workers with written memos or emails that are professional, concise and clearly understood. • Demonstrated oral communication skills including the ability to communicate professionally with BAC customer and co-workers. The ability to share information verbally that is clearly understood and technically accurate. • High level of product knowledge of BAC's numerous models and parts. • • Proficiency in CAD/CAM software: Expertise in industry-standard nesting software like AutoCad, SolidWorks, or ProNest is essential. • Strong understanding of geometry and manufacturing principles. Knowledge of dimensions, tolerances, and cutting techniques is critical. • Attention to detail. Accuracy in part placement and nesting optimization is crucial. • Problem-solving skills. Ability to identify and troubleshoot issues related to nesting patterns and machine operations. • Ability to use handheld measuring tools including tape measure, micrometer, and protractor. • A minimum of one year experience in the department is preferred • Knowledge of unit specifications as it relates to motors, plumbing and electrical work of units. • Know how to interpret customer changes and record a shortage. • Knowledge of continuous improvement tools and ability to support root cause analysis for identified issues. • Demonstrated commitment to safety and adherence to safety standards. • Computer competency with MS Excel including updating data and generating metrics in pre-formatted spreadsheets. • Demonstrated flexibility to work at multiple department workstations and adapt to change. • Ability to work on cross functional teams in support of plant objectives.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The working environment includes lifting up to 50lbs. Occasional work at heights of up to 20 feet. Standing is to be expected up to 80% of the time. Additional activities include: walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and sitting. Fine hand manipulation of controls is needed as well as hand eye coordination to perform changes. Working hours can include any of three shifts and generally are scheduled for forty hours a week. Some weekend overtime is to be expected. Working temperatures include both wide fluctuations within the plant as well as ambient outside temperatures