Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knife Production Worker

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knife Production Worker, you are the artisan and technician at the heart of our operations. You will be responsible for transforming raw materials into precision-engineered cutlery, adhering to strict quality and safety standards. This role requires a hands-on approach, operating various machinery, performing manual assembly tasks, and ensuring every product that leaves the facility embodies our commitment to excellence. You will work collaboratively within a dynamic team to meet production goals and drive continuous improvement in our manufacturing processes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Manufacturing Assembler
Machine Operator Trainee

Advancement To:

Production Team Lead
Quality Control Inspector
CNC Machinist/Programmer

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse & Logistics Associate
Maintenance Technician Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and monitor a variety of production machinery, including grinders, sanders, buffers, and laser etching equipment, to shape and finish knife components.
Perform precision blade grinding and sharpening operations, adhering to exact angles and specifications to achieve optimal cutting performance.
Execute detailed deburring and finishing processes on blades and handles using hand tools and power tools to ensure smooth surfaces and a high-quality feel.
Assemble knife components, including handles, blades, liners, and locking mechanisms, with a high degree of precision and manual dexterity.
Conduct in-process and final quality control inspections using calipers, micrometers, and visual checks to ensure all parts and finished products meet stringent company standards.
Read and interpret detailed work orders, blueprints, and engineering specifications to determine production requirements and assembly sequences.
Safely handle and transport raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods throughout the production facility.
Perform heat treatment processes on blades, including monitoring furnace temperatures and quench cycles, to achieve desired hardness and durability.
Set up and adjust machinery for different production runs, ensuring correct tooling and settings are applied for each specific knife model.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by following 5S principles and adhering to all company safety protocols and OSHA guidelines.
Meticulously document production activities, including logging completed quantities, tracking scrap rates, and filling out quality assurance paperwork.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance on production equipment to minimize downtime and ensure operational efficiency.
Identify and troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and process deviations, escalating complex issues to maintenance or leadership as required.
Manage the chemical etching and tumbling processes for blades and other components to achieve specific finishes and textures.
Execute laser marking and engraving operations, ensuring logos and product information are applied clearly and accurately according to design files.
Collaborate with team members, cell leaders, and engineers to resolve production challenges and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
Participate actively in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing events to enhance productivity, quality, and workplace safety.
Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and manufacturing byproducts in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.
Package final products, ensuring they are protected, correctly labeled, and prepared for shipment to customers.
Cross-train on different production stations and processes to provide flexible support across the manufacturing floor as production needs change.
Test the functionality of assembled knives, including blade deployment, lock-up, and blade centering, making fine-tune adjustments as needed.
Monitor supply levels of components and materials at your workstation, communicating needs to the material handler or team lead to prevent production stoppages.

Secondary Functions

Support process engineers and quality teams by providing feedback and data from the production floor.
Contribute to the team's continuous improvement goals by identifying and suggesting opportunities for waste reduction and efficiency gains.
Collaborate with the R&D and design teams by providing practical feedback on the manufacturability of new product prototypes.
Participate in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions to stay aligned with production targets and company policies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating manufacturing equipment such as belt grinders, buffers, and drill presses.
Ability to use and read precision measuring instruments, including digital calipers and micrometers.
Experience with hand tools and power tools for assembly, deburring, and finishing.
Capability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
Basic understanding of lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen).
Knowledge of basic machine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and precision.
Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for intricate assembly and finishing work.
Strong work ethic and reliability, with a proven record of good attendance.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Effective communication skills to articulate issues and collaborate on solutions.
A safety-conscious mindset and a commitment to following all safety protocols without exception.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma from a vocational or technical school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Metalworking
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or assembly environment.

Preferred: Previous experience in metalworking, blade grinding, or assembly of small, high-precision mechanical products is highly desirable.