Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Manufacturing Team Member
💰 $18 - $25 per hour
ManufacturingProductionOperationsSkilled Labor
🎯 Role Definition
As a Manufacturing Team Member, you are the backbone of our production operations. You're not just assembling parts; you're building the quality products our customers rely on. This role requires a hands-on approach, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency. You will be a crucial part of a dynamic team, contributing directly to our success by ensuring production goals are met without compromising our high standards for quality and operational excellence. This role requires dedicated individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact on the production floor.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- High School Graduate or GED Holder
- General Laborer
- Temporary or Contract Production Worker
Advancement To:
- Manufacturing Team Lead or Line Lead
- Shift Supervisor
- Quality Control (QC) Inspector or Technician
- Machine Maintenance Technician
Lateral Moves:
- Materials Handler / Logistics Coordinator
- Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Skillfully operate and monitor various types of production machinery and equipment, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production schedules.
- Perform intricate assembly of components and sub-assemblies according to detailed work instructions, blueprints, and engineering diagrams.
- Conduct rigorous in-process and final quality control checks, performing visual inspections to identify defects, non-conformities, or deviations from specifications.
- Utilize precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and fixtures, to verify that product dimensions meet strict tolerance requirements.
- Meticulously follow all established safety protocols, procedures, and guidelines, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to maintain a safe and hazard-free work environment for yourself and your team.
- Achieve daily and weekly production targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and workmanship.
- Accurately complete and maintain production and quality control documentation, logs, and records, both manually and within digital systems.
- Troubleshoot minor operational issues with machinery and processes, escalating complex problems to maintenance technicians or team leads for resolution.
- Handle raw materials, components, and finished goods, ensuring proper storage, staging, and movement throughout the production area.
- Perform product packaging, labeling, and preparation for shipment, verifying that all orders are accurate and meet customer specifications.
- Execute product changeovers on equipment, including cleaning and setting up machinery for new production runs in an efficient and timely manner.
- Read and interpret technical documents, such as blueprints, work orders, and manufacturing process instructions, to ensure accurate assembly and production.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, engineers, and supervisors to solve production challenges and improve workflow.
- Monitor equipment performance during production runs, listening for unusual sounds and watching for signs of mechanical issues to prevent breakdowns.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace by consistently applying 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
Secondary Functions
- Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as Kaizen events and lean manufacturing projects, to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
- Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members by demonstrating proper operational techniques, safety procedures, and quality standards.
- Contribute to preventative maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment to minimize unplanned downtime and ensure operational readiness.
- Support inventory management activities by accurately tracking material usage, performing cycle counts, and reporting discrepancies to the supply chain team.
- Provide constructive feedback on production processes and work instructions to help refine and improve operational efficiency and safety.
- Cross-train on different machines and in various work cells to provide flexible support across the production floor as business needs dictate.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Machine Operation: Proven ability to set up, operate, and monitor manufacturing equipment and machinery.
- Blueprint Reading: Competency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
- Quality Inspection Tools: Proficiency with measurement tools like calipers, micrometers, gauges, and rulers.
- Hand & Power Tool Proficiency: Skilled in using a variety of hand and power tools for assembly and adjustment tasks.
- Basic Mathematics: Strong understanding of basic math, including fractions and decimals, for measurement and calculation.
- Computer Literacy: Basic ability to use computers for data entry, accessing work instructions, and time tracking.
- Forklift Operation: Certification or ability to be certified to operate a forklift or other material handling equipment is a strong plus.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail to ensure product quality and accuracy in all tasks.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and respectfully within a diverse team to achieve common goals.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and contributing to effective solutions on the production floor.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities, production schedules, and work assignments.
- Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and motivated to perform high-quality work consistently.
- Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication to relay information to team members and supervisors.
- Safety Conscious: A deep-rooted commitment to following safety rules and promoting a safe working culture.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational or technical school.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Manufacturing Technology
- Industrial Maintenance or Trades
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or assembly environment.
Preferred:
- Prior experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume production setting.
- Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen).
- A stable work history demonstrating reliability and commitment.