Production Operator - 2nd Shift

Challenge Manufacturing; Platte Gardens (MO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP shares

401k match

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing, a leading employee-owned auto supplier, seeks a Production Operator for our Kansas City, MO plant. You will load components into automated assembly lines, document production, and ensure quality per check sheets.

The role is 2nd shift (3:00 PM - 11:30 PM), Monday through Friday, with duties including labeling, part documentation, and supporting audits. You will join a safety‑minded team focused on ownership and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reading instructions

Teamwork

Verbal & written comms

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 2nd Shift / 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM, M-F position located at our plant in Kansas City, 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.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision insurance
• a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• company-paid Short-Term Disability
• Basic Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life
• Long-Term Disability options
• an Employer 401k Match
• ESOP shares
• tuition reimbursement
• a Referral Bonus Program
• Challenge Incentive Program
• paid time off

Please note, while these benefits are part of what we offer, they may not all apply to this specific role. The details shared in this job description are intended to give you a general idea, but duties and responsibilities may evolve over time, with or without notice. And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.