Department: Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS) - Metals
Reports to: Engineering Manager - Metals
Position Summary
The Engineering Technician supports Contract Manufacturing operations by providing hands-on technical expertise in machining, fabrication, CAD/CAM programming, and tooling development. This role is critical in supporting fast-turn customer projects, new product introductions (NPI), and ongoing production optimization.
Working in a dynamic, high-mix/low-to-mid volume environment, this individual must be self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of converting customer drawings and engineering concepts into production-ready tooling and components. The Engineering Technician plays a key role in improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance through practical problem-solving and continuous improvement
Job Responsibilities
Core Competencies
- Ownership and urgency in supporting customer commitments
- Strong problem-solving mindset
- Cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, and Engineering
- Attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Continuous improvement orientation
- Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Machining & Fabrication Support
- Set up and operate manual and CNC milling machines for tooling and component fabrication
- Operate manual lathe equipment for precision part production and repair
- Perform TIG and MIG welding for tooling, fixtures, frames, and equipment modifications
- Fabricate, modify, and repair production tooling, fixtures, and machine components
- Support prototype builds and short-run production projects
- Maintain strict adherence to safety and quality standards
CAD/CAM & Design Support
- Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks
- Generate and optimize toolpaths using CAM software
- Interpret customer prints, GD&T, and engineering specifications
- Support design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements
- Maintain accurate revision control and documentation for customer-driven projects
Tooling & Process Development
- Assist in the design and development of production tooling and fixtures
- Apply tooling design best practices including repeatability, rigidity, and ease of use
- Incorporate error-proofing (poka-yoke) concepts into tooling designs
- Support automation-ready tooling concepts including sensor integration and I/O considerations
- Evaluate tooling performance and recommend improvements to improve OEE and throughput
Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement
- Diagnose and resolve machining, tooling, and process issues
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Provide hands-on technical support to production teams
- Drive improvements in setup reduction, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency
- Support preventative maintenance and equipment reliability efforts
Job Requirements
- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent experience
- Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling and drawing creation)
- Experience with CAD/CAM programming
- Strong hands-on experience with manual and CNC milling machines
- Experience operating a manual lathe
- Skilled in TIG and MIG welding
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
- Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude
- Candidates must successfully pass an annual vision and color perception examination to ensure they can meet the essential visual requirements of the role.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Physical Demands
- Experience in a high-mix contract manufacturing environment
- Experience supporting NPI and customer-driven projects
- Vision Requirements: These requirements can be met with the help of corrective lenses (glasses/contacts) unless there is a strictly regulated safety reason why they cannot be.
- Near Vision: Must possess the ability to perceive detail at close range (within 16 inches of the observer).
- Far Vision: n/a
- Color Perception: The ability to identify and distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness levels is required for identifying or interpreting welding/metal work.
Why work at Preco?
At Preco you will find a collaborative culture and a team united by a passion to provide solutions to our customers. Preco is a premier provider of laser, flat bed and rotary die cutting equipment solutions for advanced material processing needs. In addition, Preco is a skilled laser integrator offering cutting, perforating, welding, and other specialized industrial processing applications.
Preco's working environment is climate-controlled year-round and there are opportunities for career advancement.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- 9 paid holidays per year
All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring. Also, each member of the Preco – Somerset team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem-solving teams as necessary
To Apply
Send resume and completed EEO document to: hr@precollc.com
This position is located in Somerset, WI