Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Machine Tender

🎯 Role Definition

As a Machine Tender, you are the backbone of our production floor. You will take ownership of sophisticated machinery, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently to meet our production targets. This isn't just about pushing buttons; it's about being a technical expert who can set up equipment for new jobs, monitor its performance, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Your diligence and expertise directly impact product quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety. This role requires a proactive individual who takes pride in their work and is eager to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate or Helper
Assembly Line Worker
General Laborer with mechanical aptitude

Advancement To:

Senior Machine Operator or Lead Operator
Production Team Lead or Supervisor
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control (QC) Inspector
Material Handler or Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully set up and calibrate production machinery at the beginning of each shift or for new product runs, ensuring all settings align with job specifications and blueprints.
Operate and diligently monitor a variety of complex manufacturing machines, attentively watching gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure equipment is functioning within established parameters.
Conduct regular, in-process quality control checks on parts and materials, using precision measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify conformance to strict specifications.
Make precise adjustments to machine controls to regulate operational factors such as speed, temperature, pressure, and feed rates to maintain product quality and output.
Proactively identify and troubleshoot machine malfunctions and production errors, performing minor repairs and adjustments to minimize downtime and waste.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance on equipment, including cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting machinery to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Meticulously read and interpret work orders, technical drawings, and production schedules to determine job specifications and required materials.
Load and unload raw materials into feeders and hoppers, and remove finished products, ensuring a continuous and smooth production workflow.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by adhering to all company safety protocols, 5S principles, and OSHA guidelines.
Accurately complete all required production logs and documentation, including output records, quality inspection reports, and maintenance logs, ensuring data integrity.
Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to resolve complex production issues and contribute to a positive work environment.
Inspect finished products for defects, blemishes, and other quality imperfections, taking corrective action and escalating issues to quality assurance when necessary.
Manage and monitor the supply of raw materials needed for your workstation, communicating any potential shortages to the material handling team in a timely manner.
Adhere strictly to all safety and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when performing maintenance, cleaning, or clearing machine jams.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new machine operators, sharing knowledge and best practices to build team capability.
Continuously observe machine operations to detect and diagnose any unusual noises, vibrations, or deviations from the standard process.
Change out machine tooling, dies, and other components as required for different production jobs, ensuring they are installed correctly and safely.
Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives and kaizen events aimed at enhancing production efficiency, reducing waste, and improving safety.
Ensure all finished goods are properly handled, stacked, or packaged according to company standards to prevent damage during transport.
Communicate shift handovers clearly and effectively, providing detailed information about production status, machine performance, and any unresolved issues.

Secondary Functions

Assist with inventory counts and material management tasks as needed to support the supply chain team.
Participate in team meetings to discuss production goals, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Provide constructive feedback on machine performance and production processes to engineering and management teams.
Support the implementation of new manufacturing processes or equipment by providing an operator's perspective and assisting with trials.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate and monitor industrial production machinery (e.g., CNC, presses, molding machines, packaging equipment).
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of mechanical systems and the ability to use hand and power tools for basic repairs and adjustments.
Troubleshooting: The ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical issues, equipment malfunctions, and process errors efficiently.
Quality Inspection Tools: Proficiency in using precision measurement instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and visual inspection techniques.
Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and work orders to understand product specifications.
Basic Mathematics: Solid math skills for measurements, calculations, and ensuring parts meet dimensional requirements.
Safety Procedures (LOTO): Knowledge of and commitment to safety protocols, especially Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of work, from machine setup to final quality checks.
Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying the root cause of problems and implementing effective solutions.
Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members and documenting work.
Dependability & Reliability: A strong work ethic with an excellent attendance record and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing production priorities.
Teamwork: A cooperative spirit and the ability to work well with others to achieve common goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Machining

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience as a machine operator or in a similar role within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred: 3+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting. Specific experience with CNC machinery, injection molding, or automated packaging lines is highly desirable.