Operator 1, Production

JPW Industries; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

JPW Industries in Minnesota is seeking a Production Operator to support assembly, fabrication, and quality assurance of machinery and components. You will use hand, power, and measuring tools to meet tolerances, install moving parts, and apply coatings while following work orders and safe procedures.

The role requires 0–2 years in manufacturing, a high school diploma, and ability to operate a forklift. You will contribute to production targets, document activities, and participate in safety and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0–2 years in manufacturing or mechanical assembly.
• Ability to follow work instructions and record basic production data.
• Ability to operate a forklift and basic shop equipment.
• Ability to use basic hand, power and measuring tools.

Responsibilities

• Assemble machine units and sub‑assemblies using hand, power and measuring tools.
• Install moving parts such as shafts, levers, or bearings.
• Verify alignments and tolerances with measuring instruments.
• Install wiring and electrical components to specifications.
• Remove metal using hand files or grinders as needed.
• Paint and install pre‑manufactured parts into sub‑assemblies or final machines.
• Bend and install pipe for hydraulic systems.
• Operate forklift to transport materials.
• Read and follow work orders and process documents.
• Apply black oxide coating following procedures and quality standards.
• Maintain production documentation.
• Perform routine quality checks.

Skills

Read work orders/instructions

Tool handling

Quality awareness

Ability to follow procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

Measuring instruments

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

The Production Operator role encompasses a progressive hands‑on career path within the JPW Industries manufacturing environment, supporting the assembly, fabrication, and quality assurance of machinery, components, and sub‑systems. Operators at all levels play a vital role in meeting production targets, ensuring product quality and upholding workplace safety.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Use hand, power, and production tools to assemble machine units, sub‑assemblies, and parts to meet product tolerances and specifications.
• Install moving parts, such as shafts, levers, or bearings.
• Use measuring instruments to verify alignments and tolerances of moving parts.
• Install wiring and electrical components to specifications.
• Remove small quantities of metal using hand files or portable grinders.
• Paint and install pre‑manufactured parts into sub‑ or final machine assemblies as required.
• Bend and install pipe for hydraulic systems.
• Operate forklift to transport raw materials, components, and finished products throughout the production facility.
• Read and understand work orders, work instructions, or process documents to accurately and efficiently produce products to specifications.
• Operate equipment and follow chemical treatment procedures to apply black oxide coating to metal parts, adhering to standard operating procedures and quality control standards.
• Maintain production documentation.
• Perform routine quality checks to ensure products meet specifications.

Position Qualifications

Education, Certifications and Licenses

• High school diploma or equivalency required.

Experience and Competencies

• 0–2 years in manufacturing or mechanical assembly.
• Ability to use basic hand, power and measuring tools.
• Ability to follow work instructions and record basic production data.
• Ability to operate a forklift and basic shop equipment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to stand for long periods; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. The team member is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The team member is frequently required to walk and stoop, kneel or crouch. The team member may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Occasional time is spent working on a computer. Working extended and flexible hours may be requested.