Manufacturing Operations Technician IV

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we're passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Base Compensation Range: $25-28/hr

This position is eligible for an annual 10% bonus opportunity in addition to the base salary

Outstanding Benefits and Perks:
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D

• 3 weeks of accrued vacation time; accruals begin on Day 1

• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year
• Overtime opportunities

This position supports our Calibration Solutions business. Our Calibration Solutions portfolio uses the principles of advanced metrology to enable customers to measure and calibrate critical parameters in applications such as Environmental and Process Monitoring, Dialysis, Gas Flow, Air Quality, and Torque Testing.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Operations Technician IV is responsible for ensuring the overall efficiency, quality, and safety of manufacturing operations. This role requires advanced expertise in production systems, process optimization, equipment management, and team leadership. The Technician IV drives continuous improvement by implementing advanced technologies, troubleshooting complex issues, and mentoring junior staff. Additionally, they lead strategic initiatives to optimize manufacturing workflows, increase productivity, and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Oversight:

* Lead and manage the daily operations of manufacturing processes, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and safety across multiple production lines.
* Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and provide technical leadership to the manufacturing team, offering guidance on complex issues related to equipment, processes, and safety.
* Develop and implement long-term strategies for improving manufacturing processes, including the adoption of new technologies and best practices.
* Provide mentorship and training to junior technicians, fostering their development and ensuring the team operates at the highest standards.

Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:

* Spearhead the identification, design, and implementation of advanced process improvements to optimize efficiency, reduce downtime, and eliminate waste using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
* Lead high-impact projects focused on improving productivity, cycle time, and quality, while achieving cost reductions and operational efficiencies.
* Use advanced data analysis and performance metrics to evaluate processes, equipment, and production outcomes, providing actionable insights for improvement.

Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis:

* Lead the troubleshooting and resolution of complex equipment issues, production bottlenecks, and process inefficiencies that require advanced technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
* Perform root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment failures, quality issues, and production disruptions, implementing corrective and preventive actions to mitigate future occurrences.
* Oversee the repair and maintenance of critical manufacturing equipment, working with cross-functional teams to ensure quick turnaround times and minimal downtime.

Advanced Equipment and Technology Management:

* Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and optimization of advanced manufacturing equipment, including automated systems, CNC machines, robotics, and other high-tech machinery.
* Drive the integration of new technologies and automation tools to improve production capabilities, product quality, and process control.
* Evaluate and recommend new equipment, tools, and technologies that align with the company's long-term operational goals.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

* Ensure adherence to strict quality standards by monitoring production outputs, performing advanced inspections, and managing quality control processes.
* Lead efforts to improve product quality, reduce defects, and maintain compliance with internal and external quality standards, including ISO, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
* Work closely with the quality control team to perform audits, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to address any quality concerns.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Leadership:

* Champion safety initiatives and ensure full compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental policies, and company safety standards.
* Lead safety audits, inspections, and hazard assessments, ensuring that all operations adhere to the highest safety standards.
* Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

* Act as the primary liaison between production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve issues, implement improvements, and ensure smooth operations.
* Work closely with R&D, design, and engineering teams during the development and launch of new products to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and efficiency in production.
* Lead collaboration with external vendors and suppliers to assess new materials, equipment, or technologies that can improve manufacturing performance.

Documentation and Reporting:

* Ensure accurate documentation of all maintenance activities, troubleshooting reports, quality control inspections, and process improvements.
* Generate and present detailed reports to upper management on production performance, KPIs, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety protocols as needed to reflect changes in processes or regulations.

Project Management:

* Lead and oversee major projects aimed at improving manufacturing capabilities, including new equipment installations, process redesigns, or plant expansions.
* Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
* Track project progress, provide regular status updates, and adjust timelines and resources as necessary to ensure successful project completion.

Experience/Education

* High school diploma or equivalent.
* Minimum of 4 - 6 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, operations, or a related technical field.

Knowledge & Skillsets Required

* Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and equipment maintenance.
* Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
* Proficient in root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
* Extensive experience with quality control systems, regulatory compliance, and safety standards.
* Advanced data analysis and performance metrics reporting skills.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to senior management and cross-functional teams.

Physical Demands

* Standing or sitting: For extended periods at lab benches or workstations.
* Using computers: Typing and using the computer
* Equipment: Handling and maintaining scientific instruments
* Manual dexterity: Handling small instruments and samples.
* Bending and reaching: Accessing equipment or storage.
* Lifting: Occasionally lifting less than 20 pounds.
* Repetitive motions: Performing repetitive tasks such as pipetting or mixing.

Environmental Conditions

* Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
* Lighting: Artificial lighting and must be able to see different colors.
* Noise Levels: Light
* Ergonomics: Designed to support tasks such as pipetting, analyzing samples, and preparing reagents, often requiring precise movements.
* Climate: Regulated temperature, humidity, and cleanliness to ensure accurate results.
* Safety: Must use protective gear (gloves, lab coats, goggles) and adherence to safety standards.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.