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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitting Machine Operator

💰 $18 - $25 per hour (Varies by location and experience)

ManufacturingProductionLogisticsOperationsWarehouse

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitting Machine Operator is a vital hands-on role at the heart of our production and fulfillment operations. This individual is responsible for the setup, operation, and basic maintenance of automated kitting and packaging machinery. The core purpose of this position is to accurately and efficiently assemble multiple individual items into a single, ready-to-ship package or "kit" according to precise customer or manufacturing specifications. Success in this role hinges on a keen eye for detail, a commitment to quality, and the ability to work systematically in a fast-paced environment to meet production goals and ensure the integrity of the final product.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Production Assembler
  • General Laborer

Advancement To:

  • Kitting Lead / Team Lead
  • Production Supervisor
  • Maintenance Technician (with additional training)

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Skillfully set up and calibrate kitting machines at the beginning of each production run, ensuring all parameters match the job order specifications.
  • Operate high-speed automated packaging and kitting equipment, consistently monitoring its performance to ensure smooth and continuous operation.
  • Load raw materials, including products, components, packaging, and labeling supplies, into the machine feeders and hoppers.
  • Perform regular in-process quality checks on assembled kits to verify component accuracy, count, placement, and overall package integrity.
  • Make necessary adjustments to machine settings, such as speed, temperature, or guides, to correct production flaws and maintain quality standards.
  • Carefully follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and all established safety protocols without deviation.
  • Accurately complete all required production documentation, including batch records, quality logs, and output reports, both manually and within digital systems.
  • Identify and troubleshoot minor machine stoppages and malfunctions, performing basic adjustments and preventative maintenance to minimize downtime.
  • Communicate effectively with line leads, supervisors, and maintenance personnel regarding machine performance, quality issues, or material shortages.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S principles to ensure an efficient and hazard-free environment.
  • Achieve daily and weekly production targets and quotas while upholding the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
  • Manage the flow of components to the line and the removal of finished goods, ensuring a continuous and efficient workflow.
  • Use scanners or computer terminals to track inventory, consume materials, and report production quantities in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system.
  • Perform routine cleaning of the machinery and surrounding area at the end of shifts or during product changeovers.
  • Safely clear jams from the machine, following all lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures to prevent injury.
  • Prepare finished kits for the next stage of the process, which may include palletizing, shrink-wrapping, and labeling pallets.
  • Assist in the training of new operators, sharing knowledge on machine operation, quality checks, and safety procedures.
  • Inspect incoming raw materials and components to ensure they are free from defects and match the requirements of the current job.
  • Participate actively in team meetings and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, quality, and safety.
  • Monitor levels of consumable supplies (e.g., glue, tape, labels) and report needs to the supervisor or materials handler to prevent line stoppages.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with periodic inventory cycle counts and physical inventory verification to ensure system accuracy.
  • Provide operational support to adjacent production lines or departments during periods of high demand or equipment downtime.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to help investigate the root cause of any identified quality deviations.
  • Participate in pilot runs for new products or packaging, providing valuable feedback on machine performance and process efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate and monitor complex industrial machinery, preferably in a packaging or manufacturing setting.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Basic understanding of mechanical principles to perform minor adjustments, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.
  • Quality Inspection: Keen ability to spot defects, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in products and packaging through visual inspection.
  • Basic Mathematics: Competency in performing basic calculations for counting, verifying quantities, and tracking production metrics.
  • Computer Literacy: Experience using computers or RF scanners for data entry, inventory tracking, or interacting with a WMS/ERP system.
  • Understanding of SOPs/GMPs: Ability to read, comprehend, and strictly adhere to detailed procedural and quality standard documents.
  • Material Handling: Experience safely operating manual or electric pallet jacks to move materials and finished goods.
  • Troubleshooting Skills: The ability to diagnose and resolve minor operational issues with machinery to minimize downtime.
  • Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong knowledge of and commitment to workplace safety standards, including LOTO procedures.
  • Documentation: Meticulousness in completing production logs, quality reports, and other required paperwork accurately and legibly.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring kit accuracy and adherence to quality standards.
  • Reliability & Punctuality: A dependable team member who can be counted on to be present and productive.
  • Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying issues and contributing to solutions.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with supervisors, peers, and support staff to achieve common goals.
  • Communication Skills: Clearly and concisely communicate machine status, material needs, and quality concerns.
  • Time Management: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet production deadlines.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to switch between different products, tasks, and machinery as production needs change.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or technical certificate in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or warehouse environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience as a Machine Operator, specifically with packaging, filling, or kitting equipment.
  • Experience working in a regulated environment, such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or ISO.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles like 5S.
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