Automation Lead - Day Shift

Win at Wilsonart

At Wilsonart, we don't just make surfaces-we build careers. When you join our team, you become part of something bigger: a company driven by innovation, grounded in values, and powered by people who care.

You'll be surrounded by teammates who take pride in their work and look out for one another. You'll have the chance to learn, grow and make a real impact. And you'll be part of a company that believes winning means helping you succeed at work and in life.

Here, you'll win with: Support that keeps you well

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability
• FSAs and dependent care options
• Vision and legal benefits
• Gym discounts and wellness clinics
• Tuition reimbursement-for you and your dependents

Opportunities to grow

• Clear paths to promotion and internal mobility
• Training, coaching, and mentorship
• Development programs to support your goals

Time for what matters

• Paid vacation and holidays in your first year
• A culture that respects work-life balance

Job Summary

The Automation Production Lead is responsible for effectively leading an hourly workforce to achieve corporate, plant and departmental objectives. In addition, the Automation Production Lead assists the supervisor in providing on-the-floor guidance with support of plant production and efficiency by maintaining production optimization, standardization, procedural development & improvements, and performance tracking.

Automation Technician is responsible for the setup, programming, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance support of advanced CNC and automated manufacturing equipment used to fabricate solid surface components.

This position requires advanced knowledge of CNC machining processes, including 3-axis and 5-axis equipment, G/M coding, machine offsets, tooling, feeds and speeds, and interpretation of engineering drawings and production specifications.

The role also supports robotic and automated manufacturing systems, assists with equipment deployment and operational readiness, collects operational data, escalates complex technical issues to engineering, and serves as a technical resource by training new Machine Operators.

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure all employees follow proper Safety and PPE guidelines
• Demonstrate high levels of good housekeeping practices to promote a safe and clean work environment
• Direct, coordinate and ensure daily productions operations are executed per production schedule to achieve target goals
• Communicate production capacity and update supervisor as changes occur throughout the shift
• Recommend process improvements, safety initiatives and quality ideas to maximize productivity
• Monitor material flow and throughput of production and make necessary adjustments
• Modify and/or rotate production personnel schedules in response to varying needs and priorities as a result of operating changes
• Maintain a high level of quality through periodic product inspections
• Periodically inspect product and verify product meets specification conformance
• Provide guidance and direction to production personnel during Supervisor's absence
• Monitor supply inventory and obtain supplies for shift operation
• Train employees on work process and procedures to achieve company safety, quality and productivity objectives
• Performs other duties of greater or lesser complexity as required by the position or assigned by supervisor
• Operate Advanced Automated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment to fabricate solid surface parts
• Maintain full and current understanding of CNC machinery including G and M coding, maintenance, etc.
• Ability to support all Automation positions as required to meet production needs

Requirements

• 1-3 years' proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams and to achieve results
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to multi-task and balance conflicting priorities
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Word and Excel.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to achieve measurable goals and objectives in support of departmental, plant, and corporate objectives
• Must be able to operate mobile equipment, crane, hoist equipment and/or material handling equipment.
• Able to work overtime as required.
• Able to support and work all positions in Automation areas as needed.

Educational/training/experience

• High School diploma or GED required
• 2 years of leadership experience
• Vocational training, machining coursework, or certifications in CNC operation, CAM programming, or 5-axis machining technology preferred.
• Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, reach overhead repetitively during an 10 to 12-hour day
• Able to stand for minimum of 12 hours
• Lift minimum of 50 lbs. frequently
• Operate heavy machinery including mobile equipment, crane, and hoist equipment
• Ability to tolerate working near running machinery, coolant systems, and moderate noise levels, with proper PPE.

• *JOB GRADE 5*
• We're looking for people who are ready to learn, ready to lead and ready to make a difference. If that sounds like you, you can win at Wilsonart.