3rd Shift Production Operator

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is hiring a Production Operator for the Walker, MI plant. You will load parts into automated cells, document production, and ensure adherence to check sheets and work instructions. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to read and follow processes.

The position is 3rd shift, 10 PM–6 AM, Sunday through Thursday. Candidates should be able to stand for long periods and lift up to 30 pounds, with ESOP company benefits and a safety-focused culture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 6 months manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret operator instructions and quality documents.

Responsibilities

• Load component parts into automated assembly using PLEX.
• Record production data and pack per instruction; make labels and document issues.
• Escalate machinery issues and poor-quality parts to team leaders or supervisors.
• Ensure products comply with check sheets and work instructions; document inspection results and non-conformances.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and support audits as needed.
• Identify opportunities for quality and process improvements; cross-train on various work centers.

Skills

Attention to detail

English language proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 standardsWhat 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 requiredAll other duties as assignedWhen and Where:This will be a 3rd Shift / 10PM- 6AM Sunday - Thursday 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 olderAble 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