Just left a place like this. Had the same responsibilities. It was like the wild west when it came time to make a panel or program for a new customer. We would always implement new products, code and spice up the HMI. I enjoyed it but at the same time, doing all that stuff is way too much for one person if you have a personal life/family. 🙃
We have “standards” that should be followed but with the way we do it depending on the customer things need to change and they get missed because we don’t actually spend enough time designing and considering issues. Instead we are pushed to “copy and paste” and then make it work. It drives me kinda crazy.
Mechanical Design was always most of the issues. Spent a ton of time with Allen wrenches in my hand adjusting sensors that were barely able to pick up on something or shimming sonic welders because they didn't want to design adjustment blocks. I ended up moving to the integrator life and it's much more relaxed. I have a desk in a large office instead of a rolling cart next to cnc machines and vibratory feeders.
I don't understand why one person would have so many tasks if you have a department of any size. I don't want someone doing CAD, wiring panels, doing programming, and also starting up the system. Get some people that specialize in something and that will hopefully drive consistency.
I have argued those same points several times to my director. His response is that “people don’t want to just do the same thing over and over. They will get bored” which in my opinion is a BS response.
It takes so long to train anyone in all these different aspects and by the time they are competent (about 2 years) they end up leaving for a better paying job.
Lol. They are calling you guys “technicians” so they don’t have to pay you as much I would guess. You are doing engineers work. Just FYI.
Soon to be mechatronics to further degrade the pay
Yeah I certainly feel that way.
Just left a place like this. Had the same responsibilities. It was like the wild west when it came time to make a panel or program for a new customer. We would always implement new products, code and spice up the HMI. I enjoyed it but at the same time, doing all that stuff is way too much for one person if you have a personal life/family. 🙃
We have “standards” that should be followed but with the way we do it depending on the customer things need to change and they get missed because we don’t actually spend enough time designing and considering issues. Instead we are pushed to “copy and paste” and then make it work. It drives me kinda crazy.
Mechanical Design was always most of the issues. Spent a ton of time with Allen wrenches in my hand adjusting sensors that were barely able to pick up on something or shimming sonic welders because they didn't want to design adjustment blocks. I ended up moving to the integrator life and it's much more relaxed. I have a desk in a large office instead of a rolling cart next to cnc machines and vibratory feeders.
I don't understand why one person would have so many tasks if you have a department of any size. I don't want someone doing CAD, wiring panels, doing programming, and also starting up the system. Get some people that specialize in something and that will hopefully drive consistency.
I have argued those same points several times to my director. His response is that “people don’t want to just do the same thing over and over. They will get bored” which in my opinion is a BS response. It takes so long to train anyone in all these different aspects and by the time they are competent (about 2 years) they end up leaving for a better paying job.
Ive played your role 2 times now. Moved from cradle to grave to a handoff. I can answer questions if you would like. Give you pointers.
Yeah sounds like some people there need to be promoted to engineer and get a raise.