Entry-Level Machine Operator

Soode Kansas Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

SOODE Kansas Corporation, a subsidiary of Alconix Corporation, is expanding at our De Soto, KS facility, manufacturing precision top cap components for lithium-ion battery cells. The Entry-Level Machine Operator learns to operate and monitor production equipment in a hands-on role.

Candidates should read English, have a high school diploma or GED, and be dependable. No prior manufacturing experience required, but willingness to learn, attention to detail, and teamwork are essential to maintain

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years manufacturing or machine operation experience.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work in a multi-national team.
• Dependable attendance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials and monitor production.
• Safely operate and monitor two production machines.
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, safety requirements.
• Recognize alarms and communicate issues.
• Monitor machine pressures and make precise adjustments.
• Maintain correct machine settings to ensure quality.
• Handle finished products and prep for next steps.
• Perform visual quality checks every 15–20 minutes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Machine operation

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Come join SOODE Kansas Corporation, a subsidiary of Alconix Corporation, at our new manufacturing facility located within the Panasonic Energy Gigafactory in De Soto, KS. Our facility manufactures precision top cap components for lithium-ion battery cells that support Panasonic Energy's electric vehicle battery production. As we continue to grow, we're building a team that is committed to quality, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

Position Summary: The Entry-Level Machine Operator will learn to operate and monitor production equipment used to manufacture high-quality precision metal components. This is a hands-on, physically active role that requires attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn.

A key responsibility is monitoring the pressure levels ontwo machines approximately every 15 minutes and making small, precise adjustments when needed to keep the machines operating at the correct levels. These adjustments are critical to maintaining product quality and preventing material waste. The role also involves loading materials, removing scrap material, handling finished products, and performing regular quality checks throughout the production process.

We are looking for dependable individuals who are willing to learn, follow instructions, pay attention to detail, and take pride in doing quality work. Previous manufacturing experience is helpful but not required. Candidates with transferable experience in production, warehouse, assembly, quality inspection, equipment operation, maintenance, or other hands-on environments are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials and monitor the production process.
• Learn to safely operate and monitor two production machines.
• Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements.
• Learn to recognize machine alarms or production issues and communicate concerns to the appropriate team member.
• Monitor machine pressure levels approximately every 15 minutes and make precise, micro-level adjustments when needed.
• Understand that maintaining the correct machine settings is critical to product quality and minimizing material waste.
• Load raw material into the equipment and remove scrap material throughout the production process.
• Handle and lift finished products and prepare them for the next step in the process.
• Perform visual measurement quality checks approximately every 15–20 minutes to ensure products meet requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualification:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in manufacturing, machine operation, or assembly.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-national team environment.
• Dependable attendance and reliability.

Physical Qualification:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• Must always wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and earplugs.

Supplemental Information:

• Pre-employment drug testing is required. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

E-Verify Statement

• SOODE Kansas Corporation participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

To learn more about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.

EEOC Statement

• At Soode Kansas Corporation, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We believe that different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives drive innovation and growth. We proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and team members, and we make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.