Manufacturing Staging Associate

Whisker; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Parental leave

Pawternity leave

Pet insurance discount

401K match

Flexible spending accounts

Disability and life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid time off

14 paid holidays

Pet-friendly office

Whisker swag

Education support

On-site gym

Job summary

Whisker in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Staging Associate to safely stage materials, maintain inventory accuracy, and support the assembly line. The role involves physical work, moving pallets, and collaboration with Supervisors and forklift drivers.

This onsite position requires standing 8+ hours, lifting up to 50 lbs, and a proactive, detail‑oriented attitude. Whisker offers 4+ onsite days, a comprehensive benefits package, and growth opportunities within a pet‑tech company.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Prior forklift experience is an advantage but not required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours per day).
• Able to lift and push up to 50+ lbs.
• Capable of bending, climbing ladders, pulling, pushing, and reaching as needed.
• Ability to work in various temperature conditions.
• Able to follow directions and use hand and power tools.
• Mechanical aptitude and good dexterity are beneficial.
• Must have a positive attitude and be efficient, organized and detail‑oriented.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced assembly environment.
• Must be eager to learn about different areas of the company.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently transports materials across the production floor to ensure all assembly line stations are adequately supplied.
• Safely operates a pallet jack to move materials.
• Capable of moving pallets weighing up to 50lbs.
• Collaborates with Supervisors and Team Leads to ensure the correct materials are delivered by forklift drivers.
• Contributes to maintaining an organized workspace and orderly materials.
• Keeps surrounding production areas clean to support a safe and tidy work environment.
• Responds promptly to material handling needs, demonstrating a “sense of urgency” when required.
• Participates in cross‑training activities, both as a Trainer and a Trainee.
• Engages in 5S activities (“Sort,” “Set In Order,” “Shine,” “Standardize,” and “Sustain”)
• Wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Forklift familiarity

Physical stamina

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Description

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter‑Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we’re imagining that future today.

We work onsite 4+ days a week, with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four‑legged friend.

What You’ll Do

The Staging Associate is responsible for the safe and efficient staging of materials, maintaining organized inventory, and ensuring inventory accuracy for the assembly line. This position does not involve the use of equipment requiring certification.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be expanded to include additional tasks as needed.

• Efficiently transports materials across the production floor to ensure all assembly line stations are adequately supplied
• Safely operates a pallet jack to move materials
• Capable of moving pallets weighing up to 50lbs
• Collaborates with Supervisors and Team Leads to ensure the correct materials are delivered by forklift drivers
• Contributes to maintaining an organized workspace and orderly materials
• Keeps surrounding production areas clean to support a safe and tidy work environment
• Responds promptly to material handling needs, demonstrating a “sense of urgency” when required
• Participates in cross‑training activities, both as a Trainer and a Trainee
• Engages in 5S activities (“Sort,” “Set In Order,” “Shine,” “Standardize,” and “Sustain”)
• Wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary
• Performs additional duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred
• Prior forklift experience is an advantage but not required
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours per day)
• Able to lift and push up to 50+ lbs
• Capable of bending, climbing ladders, pulling, pushing, and reaching as needed
• Ability to work in various temperature conditions
• Able to follow directions and use hand and power tools
• Mechanical aptitude and good dexterity are beneficial
• Must have a positive attitude and be efficient, organized and detail‑oriented
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced assembly environment
• Must be eager to learn about different areas of the company

Benefits & Perks

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day “pawternity” leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet‑friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On‑site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. While Whisker is an AI‑forward organization, we will not ask you to interview with an AI agent. We lead with a human first approach for hiring. We ask that you refrain from using an AI tools during any interview.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.