General Labor

Rheinmetal; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

American Rheinmetall in Michigan is seeking a Messer Operator Assistant to support cutting operations, remove cut parts, and help ensure production efficiency on the shop floor.

You will deburr, inspect, stage parts, and operate plate blasting equipment under supervision, while upholding safety, quality, and timely delivery in a manufacturing setting.

Prior experience with hand tools and deburring is preferred; forklift or overhead crane training is welcomed.

Qualifications

• Ability to identify parts and track them accurately.
• Experience using hand tools and deburring equipment.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred or willingness to train.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Remove and de-nest cut parts from steel plate after processing on the Messer cutting machine.
• Identify, sort, and label parts according to work orders, drawings, and production requirements.
• Perform deburring, grinding, and cleaning of cut parts to meet quality standards.
• Operate plate blasting equipment to clean material and prepare parts for downstream processing.
• Assist the Messer operator with material handling, setup, and production activities.
• Maintain an organized work area and ensure parts are routed correctly to the next operation.
• Inspect parts for quality issues, defects, and dimensional concerns, reporting discrepancies as needed.
• Utilize overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material handling equipment as authorized and trained.
• Help maintain continuous machine operation by staging material and removing completed parts promptly.
• Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, and housekeeping requirements.
• Perform routine equipment checks and notify supervision of maintenance concerns.

Skills

Part identification

Hand tools experience

Deburring equipment

Forklift experience

Overhead crane experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Manufacturing/steel processing/CNC cutting experience

Job description

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary:

The Messer Operator Assistant supports the cutting operation by identifying and removing cut parts, deburring material, operating the plate blaster, and assisting the machine operator to ensure continuous workflow and production efficiency. This position plays a key role in maintaining quality standards, material flow, and safe operating practices throughout the cutting process.

Essential Functions:

• Remove and de-nest cut parts from steel plate after processing on the Messer cutting machine.
• Identify, sort, and label parts according to work orders, drawings, and production requirements.
• Perform deburring, grinding, and cleaning of cut parts to meet quality standards.
• Operate plate blasting equipment to clean material and prepare parts for downstream processing.
• Assist the Messer operator with material handling, setup, and production activities.
• Maintain an organized work area and ensure parts are routed correctly to the next operation.
• Inspect parts for quality issues, defects, and dimensional concerns, reporting discrepancies as needed.
• Utilize overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material handling equipment as authorized and trained.
• Help maintain continuous machine operation by staging material and removing completed parts promptly.
• Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, and housekeeping requirements.
• Perform routine equipment checks and notify supervision of maintenance concerns.
• Assist with other production duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to identify parts and maintain accurate part tracking.
• Experience using hand tools, grinders, and deburring equipment preferred.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred or willingness to train.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Manufacturing, steel processing, or CNC cutting experience preferred.

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the job description for my position. I understand the duties, responsibilities, and expectations of this role and agree to perform them to the best of my ability. I understand that this job description is not a contract and may be amended as necessary.