Production Associate

Dauch; North Vernon (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Dauch Production is seeking a Production Associate to operate equipment, inspect parts, and support finishing operations. You will follow work instructions, perform quality checks, and maintain safe, organized work areas in a team environment.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED and prior manufacturing exposure. Roles involve supporting changeovers, routine maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced plant.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and follow work instructions, visual aids, and production documentation.
• Basic understanding of quality standards and inspection processes.
• Ability to use measuring devices and production tools as required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Basic problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to learn and become certified in multiple operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Load, unload, and handle materials through manufacturing stages.
• Conduct quality inspections to verify conformance to specs.
• Identify and segregate nonconforming products and notify supervisors.
• Complete production, quality, and traceability documentation.
• Monitor equipment performance and report malfunctions.
• Follow schedules to meet daily output and customer needs.

Skills

Reading & following work instructions

Quality awareness

Measuring tools

Attention to detail

Teamwork & independence

Problem solving

Cross-training readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Production Associate is responsible for safely operating equipment, inspecting parts, performing quality checks, and supporting production activities across finishing operations. This position ensures products meet customer and company quality standards while maintaining productivity, safety, and housekeeping requirements.

Job Posting Title

Production Associate

Job Description

• Perform production tasks in accordance with work instructions and standardized work procedures.
• Operate production equipment and machinery safely and efficiently.
• Load, unload, position, and handle materials and components through various stages of the manufacturing process.
• Conduct visual and dimensional quality inspections to verify product conformance to specifications.
• Identify and segregate nonconforming products and notify the appropriate supervisor or quality personnel.
• Complete required production, quality, and traceability documentation accurately.
• Monitor equipment performance and report equipment malfunctions, abnormalities, or safety concerns.
• Follow established production schedules to meet daily output and customer requirements.
• Perform minor adjustments, cleaning, and routine operator-level maintenance as applicable.
• Maintain proper material flow and organization of work areas.
• Support changeovers, setup activities, and continuous improvement initiatives as directed.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, PPE requirements, and environmental procedures.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards in accordance with 5S practices.
• Work effectively as part of a team and assist in training or cross-training activities when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills And Education

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Previous manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• Experience with assembly, machine operation, inspection, or material handling is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to read and follow work instructions, visual aids, and production documentation.
• Basic understanding of quality standards and inspection processes.
• Ability to use measuring devices and production tools as required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Basic problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to learn and become certified in multiple operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials within company guidelines.
• Frequent use of hands for handling parts, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing production environment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Overtime and shift flexibility may be required to support production needs.

Key Performance Expectations

• Meet production and efficiency targets.
• Maintain quality standards and minimize defects.
• Follow all safety requirements and procedures.
• Demonstrate reliability, attendance, teamwork, and continuous improvement efforts.

About Dauch

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail [e-mail]. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.