Machine Set-Up Operator - Nights

Toyota Boshoku America; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Production incentives and bonuses

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

401k with Company Match

Tax-Advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA, DCF

Additional elective benefits

Job summary

Toyota Boshoku America in Kentucky is seeking a manufacturing team member to support startup, machine changeovers, and production flow in a fast-paced automotive environment. You will ensure safety, quality, and efficient material movement while following standard work and continuous improvement practices.

Responsibilities include pre-shift inspections, tool and setup validation, first-piece quality checks, and maintaining production documentation.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED, preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years in manufacturing preferred; automotive industry experience preferred.
• Language: English—verbal and written; Japanese or Spanish a plus.
• Ability to safely operate production equipment and follow SOPs.
• Ability to read and follow standardized work instructions.
• Willingness to work fixed or rotating shifts including overtime.

Responsibilities

• Process & Equipment Startup: perform pre-shift startup inspection and record results.
• Machine Setup & Changeover: verify tooling and setup conditions; support production startup.
• Production & Quality Support: conduct first-piece verification and monitor parameters.
• Continuous Improvement: identify opportunities to improve startup efficiency and organization.
• Training & Standardization: assist in training operators and maintaining documentation.

Skills

Manufacturing basics

Communication skills

Reading work instructions

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Overtime willingness

Math skills

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Compensation and Scheduling

Starting Wage - $20.00 with wage increase every 6 months and $1.50 shift differential for night shift.

Hours - 6:30 p.m. to 3:15 a.m., overtime as needed.

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.

Essential Job Functions

• Process & Equipment Startup
  • Perform pre-shift startup equipment and machine parameter inspection using standardized check sheet/process.
  • Record startup 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 are correctly installed.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED, preferred.
• Experience: One (1) to three (3) years of relevant manufacturing experience is 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.
  • 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.
  • Professionalism and ability to work with a dynamic team and demanding customer(s).
  • Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to changing production environment.
  • Willingness to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule including overtime.
  • Maintain safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency for assigned areas.
  • Basic math and strong 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 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); other computer-based applications.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Plant: Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, etc. may be required. Personal attire standards may apply. Involves moderate or occasional presence of slightly disagreeable conditions (cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.).

Physical Demands: Capable of standing 100% of the time; must be able to bend, walk, lift up to 30 pounds repeatedly; occasionally lift 20‑30 pounds or >30 pounds with assistance. Must handle repetitive motions, kneel, work at heights and crouch. Must be able to talk, see, and hear.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Eligibility for production incentives and bonuses (e.g., Production Hourly KPI Achievement Quarterly Incentive, Salaried/Office Hourly KPI Annual KPI Achievement Bonus).
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• 401k with Company Match
• Optional tax‑advantaged accounts (Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts).
• Additional elective benefits available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected class.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. 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.