*Manufacturing Operator - Lead

Sanmina; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonuses

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Sanmina Corporation is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Operator in Houston to provide technical leadership for the assembly team. You will guide and train operators, perform advanced assembly, testing, and inspection of electromechanical parts, and ensure quality and safety standards are met while optimizing daily production flow.

You will coordinate work, mentor staff, and use precise measuring tools to verify tolerances, contributing to continuous improvement and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years hands-on manufacturing experience with informal leadership or senior operator roles.
• High School diploma or GED; associate degree or technical certificate preferred.
• Proficiency with hand/power tools and precision measurement instruments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily team activities to meet production schedules and escalate issues.
• Mentor junior operators on assembly procedures, equipment operation, and quality standards.
• Position, align, and assemble complex parts using tools and fixtures.
• Inspect cables, wiring, and assemblies per specifications and schematics.
• Uphold safety policies and OSHA standards; monitor production metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Quality standards

Tool handling

Education

Associate degree or technical/trade certificate preferred

High School diploma or GED required

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Power tools

Job description

Description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life‑saving medical tech, next‑gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

What You’ll Do

The Lead Manufacturing Operator provides technical leadership, guidance, and daily operational support to the assembly team while performing advanced assembly, testing, and inspection of mechanical and electromechanical parts. In addition to ensuring equipment runs efficiently, maintaining strict quality control, meeting production quotas, and enforcing safety standards, the Lead serves as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting, workflow coordination, and training team members.

• Coordinate daily team activities, assign tasks to meet production schedules, assist supervisors with workflow optimization, and serve as the main escalation point for production issues.
• Guide, mentor, and train junior operators on assembly procedures, equipment operation, blueprint reading, and quality standards.
• Position, align, adjust, and assemble complex parts, sub-assemblies, or frames using hand tools, power tools, and specialized fixtures.
• Connect cables, tubes, and complex wiring according to technical specifications and schematics.
• Measure parts to determine strict tolerances using precision instruments (micrometers, calipers, verniers); inspect intermediate and finished products for defects to ensure compliance with company and industry standards.
• Interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and engineering specifications to determine component parts and assembly sequences for electromechanical units.
• Help identify process bottlenecks, assist in continuous improvement initiatives, and conduct routine quality and safety audits.
• Model and strictly enforce all safety rules, procedures, and OSHA standards across the team.
• Maintain accurate production metrics, track team output, document quality issues, and report safety hazards or equipment maintenance needs directly to supervisors.

What You’ll Bring

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree or specialized technical/trade certificate in manufacturing or electromechanical technology preferred.
• 4- 6 years of hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated informal leadership, peer training, or senior operator experience.
• High proficiency with hand and power tools, calipers, micrometers, precision measurement tools, and advanced blueprint reading.

Why Join Us?

• Sanmina employees also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Sanmina, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition.
• Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Equal Opportunity

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Export Control Compliance

Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a “U.S. Person,” defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.

• 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.