Automation Warehouse Associate

RUG PAD USA; Suffield (CT); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

RugPadUSA in Suffield, CT is seeking a hands-on Automation Line Lead to oversee daily operation of the automation line. You will rotate among four machines, train teammates, and escalate issues to maintenance while ensuring safety and quality.

Responsibilities include starting the line each day, coordinating material flow, monitoring output and packing accuracy, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2+ years in manufacturing/production; lead or trainer experience preferred.
• Ability to rotate across four automation line machines.
• Mechanical aptitude to identify and address basic issues safely.
• Read and follow work instructions, product specifications, and production schedules.
• Strong attention to detail and reliability.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or shift changes as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate and rotate four automation line machines to meet production needs.
• Lead daily line start-up with safety checks and materials.
• Coordinate line tasks to maintain continuous flow.
• Monitor output, speed, and downtime; address quality concerns.
• Troubleshoot equipment and escalate complex issues.
• Support preventive maintenance and document records.
• Coach teammates on safety, standard work, and quality.
• Ensure 5S/Lean standards in the workspace.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Coaching others

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Suffield, CT 06078

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $21.19 - $21.19 Hourly

RugPadUSA is a growing e-commerce business looking to find ambitious, creative, and innovative individuals to help take the company to the next level. Started in 2012, Rug Pad USA quickly grew as a pioneer in the industry for rug pad essentials. Over the last 10 years RugPadUSA has expanded to multiple locations, manages logistics and supply chain processes, and is currently expanding into manufacturing to create the best quality products for our customers.

Position Summary

The Automation Line is a hands-on lead responsible for safely operating and coordinating the daily performance of the automation line. This role is expected to rotate across and be proficient on four key machines on the line, support cross-training, and serve as the first point of escalation for line issues. The Automation Line helps drive output, quality, and uptime by monitoring equipment performance, coaching team members, completing required checks and documentation, and partnering with Maintenance and Leadership to resolve problems quickly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and rotate between four automation line machines (e.g., folding and rolling 1, folding and rolling 2, small goods, and boxing machine) based on production needs.
• Lead daily line start-up: verify safety checks, correct materials, labels, and settings; confirm the line is ready to run.
• Assign and coordinate work within the line (material loading, packing support) to maintain continuous flow.
• Monitor production output, machine speed, and line performance; respond quickly to downtime and quality concerns.
• Adjust machine settings, with automation technician, within established parameters to maintain product consistency and packaging accuracy.
• Perform and verify in-process and final inspections; ensure product specifications, labeling, and packaging integrity meet standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common equipment issues (jams, misfeeds, sensor errors); elevate complex issues to Maintenance or supervision with clear details.
• Support preventive maintenance routines by completing basic cleaning, inspections, and housekeeping around equipment; report abnormalities promptly.
• Document production counts, downtime reasons, quality issues, and shift notes accurately using company systems or logs.
• Coach and train team members on safe operation, standard work, and quality expectations; support cross-training and sign-offs as assigned.
• Ensure adherence to all safety policies (PPE, safe material handling, lockout/tagout awareness); stop work and report hazards when required.
• Maintain an organized work area in accordance with 5S/Lean standards and participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Communicate effective during shift handoff regarding machine status, output, staffing, and ongoing issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (typically 8-12 hours).
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (with assistance as needed).
• Frequent bending, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in a production/warehouse environment with noise, dust, and moving equipment.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs, and management may assign additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing/production; prior lead or trainer experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability (or willingness) to become proficient and rotate across four automation line machines.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and address basic machine issues safely.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, product specifications, and production schedules.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, scanning, and production tracking.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to coach others with a positive, accountable approach.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or shift changes based on business needs.