Manufacturing Operator

Zoltek-Toray Group; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoltek-Toray Group is seeking Manufacturing Operators in Saint Charles, MO. You will operate and maintain carbon fiber manufacturing equipment, monitor processes, and ensure products meet quality standards.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, teamwork, and operational excellence across shifts. Shifts run 12.25 hours with day and night options; rotating 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off patterns, offering a 3-day weekend every other week and potential overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ years in manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to perform basic math, read procedures, and document information.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Good manual dexterity and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor carbon fiber manufacturing equipment to support safe, efficient production.
• Collect samples for Quality Control and ensure specifications.
• Label materials, manage inventory docs, and handle items up to 50 pounds.
• Perform quality inspections throughout production.
• Communicate process improvements and equipment issues with the team.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and follow PPE rules.
• Assist with equipment tuning and production optimization.
• Collaborate across production, maintenance, and quality teams.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Troubleshooting

Math calculations

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Quality testing equipment

Job description

Title:

Manufacturing Operator ($22.26/hr)

Classification:

Full time/non-exempt

Reports to:

Production Manager

Location:

St. Charles, MO (MRP)

Date Posted:

September 18, 2026

Zoltek is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our manufacturing team as Machine Operators across a variety of production areas.

Job Summary:

Zoltek is looking for talented and dependable Manufacturing Operators to join our production team. In this role, you will operate and maintain manufacturing equipment, monitor production processes, and ensure products meet established quality standards. We are seeking individuals who are committed to safety, quality, teamwork, and operation excellence.

Zoltek does not hire individuals who require sponsorship for employment eligibility in the U.S.

Work Schedule:

The Manufacturing Operator will work 12.25-hour shifts. The night shift schedule is 7:45 PM to 8:00 AM (7.5% night differential included in pay), day shift schedule is 7:45 AM to 8:00 PM. The work week is an alternating 36.25 or 49 hours (12-hour shifts rotating on a 2-week cycle: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off) resulting in a 3-day weekend every other week and some built in overtime.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and assist with the setup of carbon fiber manufacturing equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Collect, remove, and package product samples for Quality Control testing to help ensure our products consistently meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
• Prepare finished products for shipment by labeling materials, managing inventory documentation, and safely handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Conduct Quality inspections throughout the process to ensure product meet specifications and customer expectations.
• Track production performance and communicate process improvements, equipment concerns, or production variances to support operational excellence.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment that promotes efficiency, teamwork, and workplace safety.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety by following environmental, safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Monitor and adjust equipment performance to maximize efficiency, product quality, and production output.
• Collaborate with team members across production, maintenance, and quality functions to achieve operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the success of the manufacturing operation by taking on additional responsibilities and contributing to a culture of teamwork and innovation.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or a GED is required.
• Experience of 1 year or more in manufacturing or a factory environment is strongly desired.
• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, read and interpret documents, follow procedures, document information, communicate effectively with shift lead and co-workers.
• Ability to troubleshoot and take effective corrective action to resolve problems.
• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery and assemble product.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

Lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs. from scale and properly close and seal for shipment.

Ability to go up and down stairs to reach work area.

Job involves lifting, turning, twisting, squatting, stoop, crouch, crawl, bending, reaching, pulling, walking and standing for extended periods of time.

Ability to operate a forklift is a plus, not required.

Work Environment:

The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations could be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The atmosphere contains airborne particles, and excessive fly may be present.

Work environment is hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter, not climate controlled.

Material is itchy.

Employees will be exposed to plant environment, which contains noise, moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.

Handling carbon fiber material causes moderate to severe itchiness.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.