1st Shift Production Associate

REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Manager

DESCRIPTION: Associate will work as part of a team having responsibility for an entire product or component of a product at manufacturing areas including injection molding, press and assembly. Set up or operate plastic molding machines to mold thermoplastic parts or products. Set up or operate headliner press machines to produce headliners. Assemble or operate assembly machines to add components to parts or products. Associate ensures products are working exactly as intended, and there are no defects or other issues. Associate performs more than one task conducted in the production processes.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications.
• Set up and operate production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures and safety standards.
• Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify associates, group leaders or supervisor of any malfunctions.
• Lift raw materials and finished products.
• Determine if product schedules are complete.
• Mark or tag identification of parts.
• Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, or conveyances.
• Record information, such as dates and times of product production.
• Set up and verify the functionality and safety of equipment.
• Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
• Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
• Test products or subassemblies for functionality or quality.
• Start up and shutdown processing equipment.
• May be assigned to drive a forklift.
• Adaptability to change and working assignment.
• Responsible for meeting established production quantity levels.
• Authorities for an employee are granted by means of work instructions, policies and procedures and/or direction provided by management to meet the requirements of the customer.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Work as part of the team.
• Follow all company rules and policies.
• Follow all safety rules and ISO requirements.
• Assure that all products are built to the highest standard of quality.
• Authorities for an employee are granted by means of work instructions, policies and procedures and/or direction provided by management to meet the requirements of the customer

EDUCATION:

• GED or High School Diploma preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with and in a lean manufacturing environment preferred.

SKILLS:

• Must be mechanically inclined and good with hand tools.
• Basic math and communication skills required.

OTHER:

• Must be able to work any assigned shift.
• Must to be able to work overtime, sometimes on short notice.
• Must be cross-trained and move to other areas when needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. The employee is required to wear appropriate safety protective equipment at the proper times and in the proper environments as required by safety program rules.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Many of the physical demands are repetitive. The employee is required to stand and/or sit in a stationary position for long periods of time; safely move in tight spaces and traverse long distances; safely operate, activate, use, inspect, place, detect, and position various items such as machinery, components, and parts; safely position self to perform the physical activities noted herein, sometimes in tight spaces; communicate, converse with, and exchange information with other employees; express oneself and convey thoughts, ideas, and concerns; ability to detect, inspect, and identify quality issues with parts; ability to adjust visual focus; ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds; ability to lift and reach at or above shoulde