Production Operator - 1st Shift

Challenge Manufacturing; Bridgeton (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is hiring a Production Operator for 1st shift (7 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday-Friday) at our Bridgeton, MO plant. You will load parts into automated equipment, document quality checks, and maintain an organized work area while supporting audits and continuous improvement.

Requirements include a high school diploma and attention to detail, with manufacturing experience preferred. This role emphasizes teamwork and safety in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 6 months manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret operator instructions and quality sheets.
• Basic computer skills for data entry.

Responsibilities

• Load component parts into automated assembly per instructions.
• Record production and document issues with parts or machinery.
• Escalate down machinery and poor-quality parts to leads/supervisors.
• Ensure products comply with check sheets and work instructions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Support internal/external audits as needed.
• Identify opportunities for quality and process improvements.
• Cross train on various work centers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Quality awareness

Teamwork

Reading instructions

Verbal communication

Written communication

English proficiency

Stand for long periods

Lifting up to 30 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PLEX

Job description

Who We Are:

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want

The Production Operator is responsible for loading component parts into automated assembly while adhering to quality and efficiency standards.

What You’ll Do

• Utilize PLEX to load inventory to the cell, load components, record production, pack per instruction, make labels and document issues with parts or machinery.
• Escalate down machinery, and poor-quality parts to Team Leaders and/or Supervisors.
• Ensure that all products comply with check sheets and work instructions.
• Document inspection results, and non-conformances.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Support internal and external audits as needed.
• Continuously identify opportunities for quality and process improvements.
• Cross train on various work centers as required
• All other duties as assigned

When And Where

This will be a 1st Shift / 7 AM to 3:30 PM, M-F position located at our plant located in Bridgeton, MO.

What You Need To Have

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 6 months of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to detect defects.
• Ability to read and interpret operator instructions, inspection check sheets, and quality alerts.
• Basic computer skills for data entry.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• May require lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required
• English Proficiency