Robot Assembly Lead

Description

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we’re imagining that future today.

We work onsite with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.

Schedule: 3:00pm - 11:30pm (Overtime and Saturdays as required) 

Summary:

The Robot Assembly Lead will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of their respective lines to meet daily production and quality requirements. This includes managing assembly Team Member allocation, material requirements, operator rotation, and line-side material handling (roving). As a bilingual (English/Spanish) leader, this role communicates work instructions, safety information, and priorities clearly to all team members. The Robot Assembly Lead reports to the Production Supervisor. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Prepares assembly area/line for work, ensuring components and tools are ready and in good condition
• Follows work instructions and reports any errors or inconsistencies to Engineering or Management
• Demonstrates the willingness and ability to perform all functions of the assembly process
• Performs final verifications of orders and QC analysis of products
• Packs product for shipment and communicates completed orders
• Ensures associates are focused on delivering high-quality products to enhance the customer experience
• Develops KanBan processes with team members
• Demonstrates flexibility by adapting to changing production demands and priorities
• Moves between multiple production lines and products throughout the day
• Performs all duties, specified and otherwise, in a safe, constructive manner
• Helps contribute to safety initiatives such as reporting incidents, near-misses, and promoting a zero-incident environment
• Ensures the department is kept clean, organized, and neat
• Contributes to building a quality work environment by taking initiative, respecting others, being a team player, and cleaning the work area
• Participates and leads associates in the Whisker Way continual improvement journey
• Builds positive working relationships with coworkers to foster good morale and cooperation
• Communicates work instructions, safety information, and production priorities in both English and Spanish, and supports translation between team members and leadership as needed. 
• Helps plan, coordinate, and delegate work responsibilities to the production team
• Coordinates the flow of work within or between lines and departments to maximize production
• Communicates between departments to share pertinent information and optimize plant results
  Evaluates the availability and capability of workers, parts, materials, and equipment
• Trains employees on proper practices, processes, and cultural expectations to ensure effective results
• Helps coach and mentor team members on the production floor
• Cross-trains within other departments to provide coverage or assistance
• Elevates concerns and issues to peers and management
• Fills in for the Production Supervisor as needed
• Performs additional duties as required 

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• High school education and / or  a two-year technical degree and / or equivalent work experience Bilingual in English and Spanish (spoken and written) 
• Demonstrates the ability to follow directions and effectively use hand and power tools.
• Possesses strong mechanical aptitude, dexterity, and a high degree of initiative.
• Maintains a positive, professional attitude and works efficiently with attention to detail and organization.
• Eager to learn and grow, with a willingness to explore various areas of the company.
• Committed to excellent attendance, confidentiality, and high performance under pressure.
• Collaborative team player who supports others, holds self and teammates accountable, and fosters a constructive, respectful environment.
• Skilled in providing clear coaching and feedback while building cooperative working relationships.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs) 

Not Required but Nice to Have!

• Working experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred
• Working experience as a Team Lead

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical requirements outlined below are representative of those necessary for a Team Member to perform the essential duties of this position effectively. While carrying out the duties of this role, the Team Member is regularly required to stand and communicate by talking or hearing. Frequent use of hands for handling or sensing objects is expected. Standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms are required. The Team Member must be able to lift and/or move up to 45 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Visual requirements include the ability to see up close, at a distance, peripherally, and in depth, as well as the ability to adjust focus. The work environment conditions described here reflect those typically encountered while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may also be made in this context for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits & Perks:

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity:

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

While Whisker is an AI-forward organization, we will not ask you to interview with an AI agent. We lead with a human first approach for hiring. We ask that you refrain from using an AI tools during any interview.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.