Machine Set-Up Operator - Days

Toyota Boshoku America; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

PTO & holidays

401(k) match

Medical, dental & vision benefits

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Toyota Boshoku America in the United States is seeking a manufacturing team member to support startup, changeovers, and production readiness. You will help ensure safety, quality, and efficiency while supporting continuous improvement.

The role requires ability to read standardized work instructions, operate production equipment, and work in a fast-paced automotive environment. Training and 5S adherence are part of daily tasks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in the automotive industry preferred.
• Ability to operate production equipment safely.
• Ability to read and follow standardized work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-shift startup inspections and record results.
• Complete end-of-shift production readiness checks.
• Carry out product changeovers and verify tooling and loading.
• Support 5S, quality checks, and data entry when needed.
• Identify opportunities for Kaizen and assist in problem-solving.
• Assist in training operators on procedures.

Skills

Basic math

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Process & Equipment Startup – Perform pre‑shift startup equipment and machine parameter inspections using standardized check sheets/processes, record inspection results, and communicate abnormalities with Team Leader and Group Leader.
• Complete end‑of‑shift production readiness checks for the incoming shift.
• Machine Setup & Changeover – Perform product changeovers following standardized work instructions, verify tooling, fixtures, sensors, and material loading, confirm setup conditions before releasing equipment for production, support production startup and machine operation activities while minimizing downtime, perform approved machine fault acknowledgement and alarm reset procedures, and monitor equipment during startup and early production.
• Production & Quality Support – Perform first‑piece quality verification in accordance with quality standards, verify process conditions remain within established operating parameters, support containment activities when production abnormalities occur, maintain stable production conditions while following all safety and quality requirements, assist section Team Leader in tracking machine downtime, conduct duties aligned with manufacturing Team Member when necessary, input tracking data in the absence of Manufacturing Team Leader, perform and/or participate in 5S housekeeping.
• Continuous Improvement – Participate in identifying opportunities to Kaizen (continuously improve) startup efficiency, setup consistency, workplace organization, and standardized work; support problem‑solving activities by providing production observations and process data.
• Training & Standardization – Assist in training operators on startup procedures, changeovers, and standardized work; support verification of standardized work adherence; maintain required production and quality documentation; follow safety, quality, confidentiality, and information security policies and procedures.

General Summary

Responsible for manufacturing and reporting tasks which include supporting team members in assigned manufacturing areas in the execution of the group’s responsibilities, as they operate according to customer specifications, following standard work instructions, and conveying parts between processes. Overall responsibility for safety, quality of work, production and material flow of assigned team members.

Compensation & Hours

Starting Wage: $20.00 w/ wage increase every 6 months
Hours: 6:30 AM to 3:15 PM, OT as needed

Education

• High School Diploma or GED, preferred.

Experience

• One (1) to three (3) years of relevant manufacturing experience, preferred.
• Experience in performing machine setups and production changeovers, preferred.
• Experience working in the automotive industry, preferred.

Personal / Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of manufacturing process and quality standard knowledge is preferred.
• Ability to safely operate production equipment.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Highly motivated, ambitious self‑starter.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with multiple departments and all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, multicultural work environment.
• Show and maintain professionalism.
• Ability to work with a dynamic team and demanding customer(s).
• Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to constantly changing production environment.
• Must be able to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
• Ability to maintain safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency for assigned areas.
• Basic math and good communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to read and follow standardized work instructions.

Language Skills

• Verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Japanese and/or Spanish is a plus.

Computer / Software

• Working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office and other computer‑based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.).

Work Environment / Conditions

Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, etc. may be required in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply. Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.

Physical Demands

Capable of standing 100% of time; must be able to bend, walk, and lift up to 30 pounds. Frequently required to grip tools and objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms, twist, bend at the waist, and perform repetitive motions. May occasionally kneel, work from heights and crouch. Frequently lift and/or move five to fifteen pounds; regularly lift twenty to thirty pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over thirty pounds with assistance.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at‑will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer: We comply with all federal and state laws regarding personnel practices and employment discrimination.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Eligibility for incentives and bonuses such as Production Hourly KPI Achievement Quarterly Incentive or Salaried/Office Hourly KPI Annual KPI Achievement Bonus
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Optional tax‑advantaged accounts such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA)
• Additional elective benefits are available
• Equal Opportunity Employer