Production Team Member

Summary:

The Production Team Member is responsible for operating and maintaining production equipment to produce high-quality parts in a lean manufacturing environment. This role requires strong attention to detail, safe material handling practices (including forklift/tugger operation), and precise measurement skills to ensure product conformity, while supporting plant SQDCI objectives through safe operations, standardized work, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Daily Operations & Execution

- Operate assigned machinery in accordance with standardized work instructions and production schedules

- Set up, adjust, and monitor equipment to ensure consistent performance and output

- Perform changeovers, tooling adjustments, and minor machine troubleshooting

- Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, and specifications

- Safely transport materials and finished goods using forklifts, tuggers, or other material handling equipment (as required and certified)

- Manually load and unload parts, including lifting and positioning components onto racks, fixtures, or stands

- Escalate equipment or process abnormalities through defined Daily Management System (DMS) channels

Precision Measurement & Quality Control (Critical Focus)

- Perform accurate measurements using tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection devices

- Verify parts meet exact specifications and tolerances

- Conduct in-process inspections and document results when required

- Identify defects immediately, stop production if needed, and escalate per standard procedures

- Maintain strict adherence to quality standards and a right-first-time mindset

Safety (S)

- Follow all safety procedures, machine guarding requirements, and PPE standards

- Operate forklifts and tuggers safely in accordance with company policies and OSHA regulations (if certified)

- Use proper lifting techniques and follow ergonomic guidelines when manually handling parts

- Conduct pre-shift equipment inspections and report any safety issues

- Maintain a clean, organized workspace using 5S principles

- Identify hazards, report near misses, and support a zero-incident culture

Delivery (D)

- Meet production targets and takt time requirements

- Maintain steady machine operation to support flow and schedule attainment

- Ensure timely movement of materials to and from production areas to prevent delays

- Communicate any production delays or risks immediately

- Support continuous production flow by minimizing downtime

Cost (C) & Productivity

- Reduce scrap, rework, and material waste through precise operation and measurement

- Optimize cycle times while maintaining quality standards

- Perform basic preventive maintenance to support equipment reliability

- Minimize downtime through quick response to machine issues

- Handle materials efficiently using proper equipment to reduce damage or loss

Inventory (I)

- Properly track and handle raw materials and finished goods

- Maintain WIP control and prevent overproduction

- Support FIFO and material traceability requirements

- Safely store and transport parts on racks, pallets, or stands to prevent damage

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

- Follow and sustain standard work processes

- Maintain 5S organization at the workstation

- Identify waste (motion, waiting, defects, over-processing) and suggest improvements

- Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives

- Support visual management and daily KPI tracking

Accountability & Team Participation:

- Participate in Tier 1 (daily) meetings and contribute to problem-solving discussions

- Follow direction from the Production Team Leader and support team goals

- Take ownership of individual output, quality, and performance metrics

- Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and material handling teams

Qualifications and Experience:

- High school diploma or GED preferred

- 1–3+ years of manufacturing or machine operating experience preferred

- Experience with precision measurement tools required or strong ability to learn

- Forklift/tugger operation experience preferred (or ability to become certified)

- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications preferred

- Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy

- Proficiency with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)

- Mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting ability

- Ability to safely operate material handling equipment

- Ability to lift and handle parts in a safe and controlled manner

- Ability to follow standardized work with discipline and consistency

- Problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement focus

- Strong communication and teamwork skills

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

- Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and moving equipment

- Requires standing, repetitive motion, and regular lifting of parts

- Frequent use of forklifts, tuggers, and manual material handling

- Use of PPE required (safety glasses, gloves, etc.)

- May involve shift work, overtime, and weekend coverage