Manufacturing Operations Technician III

Mesa Labs; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from day 1

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)/FSAs

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

Life insurance and AD&D

3 weeks vacation

Sick leave 48 hours/year

Caregiver leave

401(k) with 4% match

Wellness resources

9 paid holidays

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Mesa Labs is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Technician III to oversee and optimize the manufacturing process, with expertise in complex machine operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while meeting production targets and cost objectives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or higher.
• 2–4 years in manufacturing, operations or related field with leadership responsibility.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee setup, operation, and monitoring of complex manufacturing systems (CNC, automated).
• Lead troubleshooting to resolve technical issues across mechanical, electrical, and process domains.
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and quality.
• Mentor and train junior technicians and operators; supervise teams per production schedules.
• Apply Lean/Six Sigma methods to reduce cycle times and waste; monitor KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC machines

Automated systems

Data analytics

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Base Compensation Range: $27.04/hr - $33.77/hr

This position is eligible for an annual 10% bonus opportunity in addition to the base salary

Outstanding Benefits and Perks:

We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D
• 3 weeks of accrued vacation time; accruals begin on Day 1
• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year
• Overtime opportunities

Our Calibration Solutions portfolio uses the principles of advanced metrology to enable customers to measure and calibrate critical parameters in applications such as Environmental and Process Monitoring, Dialysis, Gas Flow, Air Quality, and Torque Testing.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Operations Technician III is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the manufacturing process. This position requires expertise in complex machine operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance, as well as leadership in managing teams, coordinating cross-functional activities, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Ensures that production lines run smoothly, meet high-quality standards, and deliver on time while adhering to cost, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Advanced Production Support and Operations:
  • Oversee the setup, operation, and monitoring of complex manufacturing systems, including CNC machines, automated systems, and high-precision equipment.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve advanced technical issues, including mechanical, electrical, and process-related problems.
  • Perform root cause analysis to identify problems in the production process and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Ensure that production operations meet established goals for efficiency, throughput, and quality while minimizing waste.
• Leadership and Mentorship:
  • Lead, mentor, and train junior technicians and operators, providing guidance on best practices, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
  • Supervise and coordinate a team of technicians, ensuring all tasks are completed in accordance with production schedules and quality standards.
  • Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with engineers, production managers, and other departments to resolve production challenges and improve efficiency.
• Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify and implement process improvements to optimize manufacturing workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve overall product quality.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies to identify inefficiencies and develop corrective solutions.
  • Monitor production data, equipment performance, and quality metrics to proactively address issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Preventive and Predictive Maintenance:
  • Perform advanced preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure operational readiness and avoid unexpected downtime.
  • Lead predictive maintenance efforts by using condition-based monitoring tools and data analytics to predict and prevent equipment failures.
  • Develop and implement maintenance schedules, ensuring all machines are regularly maintained, calibrated, and serviced.
• Quality Control and Compliance:
  • Ensure strict adherence to quality standards by inspecting and verifying product quality throughout the production process.
  • Lead quality audits, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to address non-conformance issues.
  • Collaborate with quality control teams to establish inspection protocols and refine testing methods, ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Safety, Health, and Environmental Standards:
  • Promote and enforce safety protocols, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
  • Conduct safety audits, investigate safety incidents, and recommend changes to improve workplace safety.
  • Provide training and updates on safety practices and environmental regulations to team members.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain comprehensive records of all production activities, including equipment performance, downtime, maintenance, and quality inspection results.
  • Generate and review production reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as yield, scrap rates, downtime, and throughput.
  • Prepare and submit detailed reports on production performance, maintenance activities, and process improvements to upper management.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Communication:
  • Serve as a key point of contact for cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and supply chain, to resolve issues and ensure alignment on production goals.
  • Collaborate with product design and engineering teams to provide feedback on manufacturability, tooling requirements, and process enhancements.
  • Assist in the evaluation and integration of new technologies, equipment, and materials to improve manufacturing operations.
• Project Management:
  • Lead and participate in projects aimed at improving manufacturing processes, including system upgrades, new equipment installations, and process redesigns.
  • Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables, ensuring that initiatives are completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Develop and manage project plans, track milestones, and report progress to management.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 - 4 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, operations, or a related technical role, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior technician capacity.

Knowledge and Skillsets Required

• Expertise in manufacturing processes, equipment, and industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Deep understanding of quality control standards, testing protocols, and inspection methods.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement strategies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with management, cross-functional teams, and external vendors.

Physical Demands:

• Standing or sitting: For extended periods at lab benches or workstations.
• Using computers: Typing and using the computer
• Equipment: Handling and maintaining scientific instruments
• Manual dexterity: Handling small instruments and samples.

Environmental Conditions

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Artificial lighting and must be able to see different colors.
• Ergonomics: Designed to support tasks such as pipetting, analyzing samples,

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.