Production Machine Operator

Lube-Tech; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan options (including family

Dental and Vision Insurance

Job summary

Ascentek is seeking a Production Machine Operator in Minnesota to operate and monitor filling, capping and packaging lines. You will perform setups, run production, perform basic maintenance, and ensure quality while following safety guidelines.

The role emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and adherence to 5S/EHSS standards to support production goals and customer needs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year operating production or packaging machinery.
• Experience with equipment setup, operation and minor mechanical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production line equipment safely and efficiently.
• Follow work orders and blend tickets to ensure accurate finished products.
• Perform machine setups, adjustments and changeovers as required.
• Conduct in-process quality checks to meet specifications.
• Identify and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime and maintain quality.
• Load, label and palletize finished goods for shipment or staging.
• Maintain clean, organized work area per 5S and EHSS standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality and blending teams for smooth flow.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Reading work orders and SDS

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Safety and quality focus

Teamwork and communication

ERP systems (JD Edwards)

Lubricant/chemical manufacturing

Line optimization

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

With a purpose to make tomorrow a little bit better than today for each other, our customers, and our communities, Ascentek provides an environment where you can love what you do and be your best every day.

What you will enjoy by being a part of a 2024 USA Great Place to Work certified company:

A position that is:

Hourly, Full time (First Shift), Mon-Thurs, 4:30 am - 3:00 pm (4-10-hour shifts) along with the ability to work some Fridays as needed

• Medical Plan options, including fertility coverage and free mental health and telehealth coverage
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• FSA/HSA options
• Paid parental leave
• Company-provided short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Supplemental Insurances, including accident, critical illness, hospital, and supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) with a generous company match
• Pet Insurance Benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• 21 Paid Days Off
• 7 Paid Holidays
• Stylish company provided uniforms and personal protective equipment
• Paid comprehensive on-the-job training
• Career advancement opportunities

The Production Machine Operator operates and monitors production line equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output. This role performs setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of filling, capping, and packaging machines while maintaining production accuracy and safety standards. The Production Machine Operator supports continuous improvement efforts, works collaboratively with teammates, and ensures production goals are met to support Ascentek’s purpose of making tomorrow a little bit better than today.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Operate and monitor production line equipment such as filling, capping, and labeling machines safely and efficiently
• Follow written work orders and blend tickets to produce and package finished products accurately
• Perform machine setups, adjustments, and changeovers based on production requirements
• Conduct in-process quality checks to ensure products meet specifications
• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues to minimize downtime and ensure product quality
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on assigned machines and communicate repair needs promptly
• Load, label, and palletize finished products for staging or shipment
• Maintain accurate documentation of production activities including counts, inspections, and downtime reports
• Support line changeovers and coordinate material flow with production and warehouse teammates
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in compliance with 5S and EHSS standards
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or quality deviations immediately to the supervisor
• Collaborate with blending, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure efficient production flow
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and reduce waste
• Follow all safety policies including lockout/tagout, PPE, and chemical handling requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and customer needs

Education:

• High School diploma or GED

Experience/Training:

• Minimum 1 year of experience operating production or packaging machinery
• Experience performing equipment setup, operation, and minor mechanical troubleshooting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, SDS, and production documentation
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, KPIs, and Lean principles
• Strong attention to detail, safety, and product quality
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Basic computer proficiency with willingness to learn ERP systems such as JD Edwards
• Experience in lubricant, chemical, or manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of ISO or Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Familiarity with automated production equipment or line optimization
• Ability to guide and provide directions for teammates in same line to improve overall production performance and quality
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain

Physical, Mental, Environmental Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, and lifting to 70 lbs.
• May push or pull drums weighing up to 400 lbs. with assistance
• Regular bending, reaching, and climbing stairs or ladders
• Requires focus, problem-solving, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Work performed in a production and warehouse setting with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures including heat above 80°F
• PPE required including gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed shoes

The anticipated hiring range for the role you are applying for is between $20.00 and $24.00 hourly. This anticipated hiring range is based on several factors, and subject to increase based on the below:

• Experience and qualifications: The depth of relevant experience and specific skills you bring to the position.
• Education and certifications: Any additional qualifications that enhance your ability to succeed in the role.
• Market and industry benchmarks: We compare compensation packages with industry standards to ensure we are competitive.
• Internal equity: We strive to maintain pay equity across the organization to ensure fairness for all teammates performing similar work.

At Ascentek, we are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information about our career opportunities. For the most accurate job descriptions, salary details, and benefit information, we encourage you to visit our official careers page at https://www.ascentek.com/careers/.

Ascentek is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.