1st Shift Production Operator

Challenge Mfg. Holdings, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Health insurance

401k match

Paid time off

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Production Operator for the 1st shift (6:00 AM–2:00 PM) at the Walker, MI plant. You will load components into automated assembly, document production, and ensure parts meet quality standards.

The role emphasizes safety, ownership, and teamwork and offers ESOP benefits and a comprehensive benefits package. Required are basic reading/writing in English, ability to stand 8–10 hours, and adaptability to optional overtime.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and understand English well enough to follow work instructions and safety procedures.
• Experience in manufacturing or production environments preferred (6 months).
• Attention to detail and ability to identify defects.

Responsibilities

• Load components into automated assembly per instructions and maintain quality and efficiency.
• Record production data, label parts, and document issues with parts or machinery.
• Escalate machine problems and non-conformances to supervisors.
• Keep work area clean and organized; support audits and process improvements.

Skills

Plex

Quality control

Data entry

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

PLEX

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! Challenge is #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 / 6:00 AM- 2:00 PM Monday - Friday position located at our Plant in Walker, MI. Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.

What You Need to Have:

Must be 18 years of age or older Able to stand for 8-10 hours a day and be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications. 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

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! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

We’re excited to offer a range of awesome benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options, an Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, a Referral Bonus Program, Challenge Incentive Program, and paid time off. Please note, while these benefits are part of what we offer, they may not all apply to this specific role. The details shared in this job description are intended to give you a general idea, but duties and responsibilities may evolve over time, with or without notice. And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.