Production Assistant

Optech Enterprise Solutions; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

Optech Enterprise Solutions is seeking a Production Assistant to perform hands-on production and assembly, while coordinating with Procurement to ensure timely materials availability.

The role emphasizes quality, safety, and efficient throughput in a fast-paced setting, with forklift operations and accurate production records as core duties.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.
• 2 years of production/assembly experience preferred (electronics a plus).
• Proficiency with MS Office and production/inventory systems preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish helpful.

Responsibilities

• Perform production activities: programming, testing, kitting, labeling, and packaging per plan.
• Set up work area, programs, and materials; operate tools safely.
• Collaborate with team to meet daily production schedules.
• Prepare and stage finished goods for warehouse/shipping.
• Inspect and flag defects; support rework to meet quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production records and inventory transactions.
• Monitor materials and coordinate with Procurement to avoid shortages.
• Operate forklift safely and assist with material handling.
• Provide training and direction to new team members.

Skills

Hands-on production

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Data entry

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Forklift certification

2 years production experience

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

MS Office

Production/inventory systems

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Production Assistant performs hands‑on production and assembly work according to the production plan, and work instructions and prepares finished goods to be handed off to the warehouse and shipping teams. The role operates a forklift and other material‑handling equipment when needed, coordinates with the Procurement team to keep production materials and consumables ordered and available, and supports product quality, rework, and the accuracy of production records. This position requires a focus on quality, safety, and efficiency in a fast‑paced environment, and is vital to meeting daily production output and on‑time completion targets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Production & Assembly

• Perform production activities such as programming, testing, kitting, labeling, and packaging of equipment, according to the production plan and work instructions.
• Set up the work area, programs, and materials for each run; operate tools and equipment efficiently and safely, adhering to operational procedures, regulations, and safety guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with the team to meet production schedules and daily operational goals; maintain the pace required by the plan.
• Prepare, label, and stage finished and kitted goods for the warehouse/shipping.

Quality & Rework

• Follow production quality standards and guidelines to ensure the product meets company and customer standards; inspect your own work and flag defects before they move downstream.
• Execute rework and reprocessing for non‑conforming or system‑failed units as required to ensure compliance with quality standards, and support nonconforming‑material (MRB) disposition with the Quality team.
• Identify and report any issues related to safety, maintenance, equipment, materials, or processes to supervisors.

Production Records & System Transactions

• Maintain accurate records of production processes, including units built, serial numbers, inventory counts, and activity logs.
• Record production completion and perform or support the related inventory transactions in data management systems as required for production.

Material & Procurement Coordination

• Monitor the components, consumables, and supplies needed for production and flag shortages early.
• Work with the Procurement team to ensure timely ordering and availability of production materials so the line can meet forecast and production requirements.

Forklift Operations & Material Handling

• Operate a forklift and other material‑handling equipment safely to move materials and products to and from the production area.
• Assist with staging and the safe movement of goods as needed.
• Follow all forklift safety protocols and champion forklift safety in the facility.

Communication, Training & Coordination

• Foster effective communication and collaboration with supervisors, Procurement, Quality, Safety, and team members to ensure smooth operations and achieve shared goals.
• Provide work direction and assist in training new team members to ensure compliance with company standards, safety protocols, quality standards, and production objectives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace in compliance with company policies.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Hands‑on production/assembly skill
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality standards
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment
• Basic math and reading skills; ability to follow instructions and document processes accurately
• Ability to complete detailed data entry
• Computer skills
• Time management
• Dependability
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills
• Teamwork
• Problem‑solving skills

DESIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
• 2 years’ experience in production, assembly, or a related field, preferred (electronics programming/kitting a plus).
• Certified forklift operator or ability to obtain certification.
• Proficiency with production/inventory systems and Microsoft Office Suite, preferred.
• Experience coordinating material availability with a Procurement / purchasing team, preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. and work in a physically demanding environment when needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibility but may provide work direction and training to other production operators.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a Production and Warehouse Environment.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full‑time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. This position may periodically require long hours or weekend work.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account or Flexible Savings Account.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO) and Holidays.
• Company paid Life Insurance.
• Company paid Short Term Disability.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.