1st Shift Production Operator

Challenge Manufacturing; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Pontiac, MI is seeking a Production Operator for the 1st shift (6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Mon-Fri). The role involves loading component parts into automated assemblies, recording production data, and ensuring adherence to quality checks.

Responsibilities include labeling, documenting issues, escalating machinery problems, and maintaining clean, organized work areas. Priorities are quality, safety, and teamwork on the plant floor.

Qualifications

• Must have strong attention to detail and ability to detect defects.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and records.
• Ability to read and interpret operator instructions, inspection sheets, and quality alerts.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for precise assembly.
• English proficiency is required for daily operations and safety.

Responsibilities

• Load component parts into automated assembly using the Plex cell system.
• Document production, pack per instruction, and create labels.
• Escalate down machinery issues and poor-quality parts to leaders or supervisors.
• Ensure products comply with check sheets and work instructions.
• Record inspection results and non-conformances accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and support audits.
• Identify opportunities for quality and process improvements.
• Cross-train on various work centers as required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data entry basics

Reading instructions

Stamina/standing

Manual dexterity

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

#QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want

The Production Operator is responsible for loading component parts into automated assembly while adhering to quality and efficiency standards.

What You’ll Do

• Utilize PLEX to load inventory to the cell, load components, record production, pack per instruction, make labels and document issues with parts or machinery.
• Escalate down machinery, and poor-quality parts to Team Leaders and/or Supervisors.
• Ensure that all products comply with check sheets and work instructions.
• Document inspection results, and non-conformances.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Support internal and external audits as needed.
• Continuously identify opportunities for quality and process improvements.
• Cross train on various work centers as required
• All other duties as assigned

When And Where

This will be a 1st Shift / 6:00AM to 2:30PM, M-F position located at our Plant in Pontiac, MI.

What You Need To Have

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 6 months of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to detect defects.
• Ability to read and interpret operator instructions, inspection check sheets, and quality alerts.
• Basic computer skills for data entry.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• May require lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required
• English Proficiency