Production Associate - Frames

Special-Lite; Decatur (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Special-Lite in Michigan is seeking a Production Associate - Frames to help manufacture our custom doors and entryways. You will follow templates, use CNC equipment and hand tools, and work with a team to ensure safety and quality.

The role emphasizes reading instructions, measuring, lifting up to 70 lbs with assistance, and contributing to continuous improvement. Previous manufacturing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
• Intermediate mechanical comprehension.
• Ability to read, comprehend and carry-out instructions in written, oral, and/or diagram form.
• Ability to read a tape measure down to a 1/32".
• Lift 70lbs with assistance.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Blueprint or template reading a plus (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assemble with care following templates and instructions.
• Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow.
• Work with CNC equipment, hand tools and measurement devices.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Read and follow instructions

Mathematical calculations

Basic hand & power tool operation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CNC equipment

Hand tools

Measurement devices

Job description

Job Description

As a Production Associate - Frames, you will perform a variety of duties related to production of our custom doors and entryways. Your Blueprint for Success: Safety First - Ensuring all work is done following our safety guidelines. Assemble with Care - Use your mechanical talents to assemble custom made doors following templates and instructions. Work with your team to trouble shoot issues and produce the highest quality product possible. Team Support - Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow and feed downstream activities. Work with CNC equipment, hand tools and various measurement devices. Continually Improve - Participate in various continuous improvement activities, lending your voice to the creative problem-solving process.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
• Intermediate mechanical comprehension and abilities
• Ability to read, comprehend and carry-out instructions in written, oral, and/or diagram form.
• Skills to measure and perform mathematical computations, including fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions.
• Lift 70lbs with assistance.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to read a tape measure down to a 1/32"

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous manufacturing, assembly, or construction experience.
• Blueprint or template reading a plus

Our Story: Special-Lite manufactures engineered architectural products, which includes commercial entrance systems, interior aluminum (Type II) framing with swing or sliding aluminum framed doors, and FRP restroom partitions. Our interior and exterior complete entrance system products are fiberglass or aluminum flush doors with many door face texture options including wood grain, aluminum monumental (stile & rail) doors, fiberglass and aluminum framing. Our engineered, made to order architectural products are used in new construction and renovation projects for educational, commercial, institutional, industrial and municipal applications. The company was founded in 1971 and pioneered the use of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) material for door skins in the early 1980's, and today is the largest volume producer of commercial FRP doors in the United States. Special-Lite will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Points: The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Required to stand and walk.
• Required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 70-pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Safety glasses are always required on the production floor.
• Hearing protection is required in designated areas.

About Special Lite Inc

We don’t just build doors—we build careers. For more than 50 years, we’ve been a leader in manufacturing and engineering architectural products for new construction and replacement installations. Our commercial entrance systems, restroom partitions, and interior products feature a unique blend of hands-on craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, customization, and innovative design. The result? Products built to last and a life-long career to match. When you join Special-Lite, you become part of a team that values quality, creativity, and personal commitment. We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way, and we take pride in building products that help make spaces safer, easier to maintain, more productive, healthier, and inspiring.