1st Shift Production Operator

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Production Operator for our Walker, MI plant. You will load components into automated lines, follow work instructions, and maintain quality and safety standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities include documenting production runs in PLEX, escalating issues, keeping work areas clean, and supporting audits. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, able to stand long shifts, and able to work Monday through Friday with occasional

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and able to work 8–10 hours standing.
• Able to read, write, speak and understand English to follow work instructions.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Load component parts into automated assembly per instructions.
• Record production, pack per instruction, and label parts.
• Document inspection results and non-conformances.
• Escalate machinery issues and provide notes for quality and audits.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and support audits.

Skills

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Team player

Independent worker

Stand for long hours

Lifting up to 30 pounds

Manual dexterity

Visual acuity

Basic data entry/computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PLEX

Data entry software

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