Research & Development Technician chez CMD Corporation

Position: Research ad Development Technician

Reports to: Director of Automation and Technology Solutions

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

CMD's Purpose: Making It Better Together… We believe in building lifelong partnerships, providing high performing equipment and value-added solutions. We empower and trust our employees to take initiative and make decisions that drive our business forward. We strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. 

Research and Development Technician Summary: The Research and Development Technician (R&D Tech) assembles, calibrates, installs, and troubleshoots prototype machinery and specialized processes, with a strong focus on electrical controls and mechanical systems. Key duties include assembling, testing, conceptualizing, and creating documentation to support the development of new products, processes, and technologies for capital machine manufacturing.

Essential Functions: 

• Assembles prototypes, new machinery, and upgrades to existing machinery and controls, including some parts fabrication. Responsible for assembling and modifying mechanical and electrical subsystems based on engineering drawings.
• Verifies the functionality of machine control systems and new control system components.
• Uses analytical skills to diagnose failures and malfunctions, isolates issues to specific components, and recommends corrective actions.
• Collaborates with project management, engineering, and production teams, gathering design ideas from production staff and identifying cost-effective fabrication and assembly methods. Offers design suggestions and problem-solving solutions.
• Encourages, considers, and values creative ideas and perspectives from others; supports the evaluation of new components and processes.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation. Records details of tests, including setup, methods, instrumentation, results, observations, and conclusions. Keeps thorough notes and sketches on fabrication and assembly designs, tests, setup, calibration, adjustment, and troubleshooting procedures for engineering documentation and technical publications. 
• Provides technical advice and support to other departments. Occasionally travels to field locations to assist with field tests, trials, or machine installation/servicing. May run machine demonstrations for customers or at trade shows.
• Participates in assembling the first production build of new machines and designs. May assist with running sample products for the sales department or customers on prototype machines.
• Demonstrates full proficiency in equipment operation, including programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance. 
• Conducts thorough testing of machinery before shipment and installation to ensure it meets customer specifications. Coordinates equipment checkout with production to meet completion timelines.
• Travels globally for routine and non-routine service trips to customer facilities, as requested by the supervisor. Keeps detailed notes during service trips and assists in resolving complex technical issues while working closely with engineering to address customer concerns.
• Responsible for training new and existing employees on proper machinery operation.
• Recommends and/or creates checkout plans for new machines, updating existing plans when necessary. 
• Actively supports continuous process improvement initiatives and works with others to foster ongoing improvement across the company.
• Prioritizes safety by practicing safe work habits and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Maintains a clean and organized work area to promote safe working conditions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems.
• Proficiency in using testing and diagnostic tools and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and blueprints.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology or similar education preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience with plastics or paper converting machinery, strongly preferred.
• Experience with Rockwell programming and/or SolidWorks drawing helpful.

Additional Details and Requirements for Research and Development Technician: 

Work Environment: CMD is located in Appleton, WI. Our three facilities operate by secure entry, are well lit, air temperature controlled for comfort, and clean with low noise. Safety is our top priority. Our culture is centered around mutual respect, clarity of communication, and employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands:

• Physical movement is required to inspect, touch, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or twist in the capital equipment manufacturing process. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements.
• Ability to lift 50 obs. Unassisted; use tools to lift heavy equipment and assist others with lifting.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.
• Capacity to use standard office equipment such as computer, telephone, and videoconferencing.
• Ability to navigate manufacturing floor environment, which may include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods.
• Capacity to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, ear protection, and hard hat as needed.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to moderate levels of noise, vibration, and varying temperatures in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to move between different areas of the facility including production floor, warehouse, and administrative offices.
• Ability to follow health and safety guidelines and protocols including emergency procedures.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Status: Full-time, nonexempt.

Travel: Up to 25% of time may be spent traveling. CMD offers robust travel incentives.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance/Confidentiality: Must be authorized to work in the United States and adhere to CMD’s confidentiality agreement(s).

EEO Statement: CMD Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.