Production Operator - 2nd Shift

Molex; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 23,419 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

Molex is looking for a Production Operator to join their Aerospace & Defense Sector manufacturing team in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. This role involves operating production equipment, loading materials, and ensuring quality compliance in a high-reliability manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma, at least 1 year of manufacturing experience, and be eligible for ITAR-controlled programs. The compensation ranges from $17.00/hr to $19.00/hr, with opportunities for a bonus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of hands-on manufacturing or assembly experience (electronics, interconnect, or cable harness preferred).
• Able to read and follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and written work instructions; basic measurement and arithmetic skills.
• Eligible to work on ITAR-controlled programs.
• Able to stand for extended periods, perform fine-motor tasks, and occasionally lift up to 30-50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate production and manufacturing equipment according to work instructions.
• Load materials, monitor machine performance, and make adjustments as required.
• Maintain full traceability and accurate documentation for all work.
• Apply disciplined assembly techniques to deliver repeatable results.
• Use inspection and test methods to verify integrity and collaborate with Quality.
• Contribute ideas and participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Communicate proactively with Leads, Engineers, and Inspectors.

Job description

Your Job

Join the Molex Aerospace & Defense Sector (ADS) manufacturing team as a Production Operator. In this role you will deliver defect‑free product by applying disciplined workmanship, following regulated processes, and helping drive continual improvement in a safety‑ and quality‑focused environment.

Hours for this role

Monday – Thursday, 2pm – 12:30am.

Our Team

You will be part of a cross‑functional production team that partners closely with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to meet demanding customer requirements (AS9100, ITAR). The team values precision, traceability, and continuous improvement while operating in a controlled, high‑reliability manufacturing environment.

What You Will Do

• Operate production and manufacturing equipment according to work instructions and process requirements.
• Load materials, monitor machine performance, and make basic adjustments as required.
• Maintain full traceability and accurate documentation for all work, ensuring compliance with AS9100, ITAR/DFARS, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Apply disciplined assembly techniques (crimp, solder, splice, potting, conformal coating, heat‑shrink) to deliver repeatable, auditable results.
• Use inspection and test methods (visual, dimensional, electrical testing) to verify integrity and collaborate with Quality to resolve nonconformances.
• Contribute ideas and participate in continuous improvement activities (5S, Kaizen, process simplification) to improve output, reduce defects, and shorten lead time.
• Communicate proactively with Leads, Engineers, and Inspectors to elevate issues, implement corrective actions, and support training for newer team members.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of hands‑on manufacturing or assembly experience (electronics, interconnect, or cable harness preferred).
• Able to read and follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and written work instructions; basic measurement and arithmetic skills.
• Eligible to work on ITAR‑controlled programs (U.S. person status if required) and able to pass background checks and drug screening.
• Able to stand for extended periods, perform fine‑motor tasks, and occasionally lift up to 30‑50 lbs per site policy.

What Will Put You Ahead

• IPC‑A‑610 certification (or equivalent) and/or J‑STD‑001 soldering certification.
• Direct experience with cable harness assembly, crimp tooling, crimp press qualification, and harness test equipment (continuity, hi‑pot).
• Familiarity with AS9100/FAI (AS9102) requirements and aerospace/defense quality systems.
• Experience working in ESD‑controlled or other controlled‑environment manufacturing areas and using microscopes/video inspection systems.
• Demonstrated participation in Lean/continuous improvement projects (Kaizen events, 5S implementations, productivity improvements).

Compensation

For this role, we anticipate paying $17.00/hr – $19.00/hr, not including shift differential. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Equality and Diversity

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify.