Production Specialist - 1st Shift

Socket.dev; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Kato Cable in Minnesota is seeking a Production Specialist to transform concept into finished cable assemblies. You'll follow detailed work instructions, assemble custom products, and help ensure quality throughout the production process.

This role emphasizes reliable teamwork, on-time delivery, and ongoing skill development in a clean, temperature-controlled facility.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret basic prints and specs.
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail required.
• Ability to measure and use basic computer knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assemble cable and wire harness products per work instructions.
• Inspect finished work for quality and conformance.
• Collaborate with teammates to maintain productivity.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow safety rules.

Skills

Hands-on

Quality-focused

Reliable

Team player

Reading prints

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Build Something That Matters—Join Kato Cable as a Production Specialist!

Looking for more than just a job? At Kato Cable, we’re building high-quality cable assemblies that power industries—and we’re building a team that powers each other.

If you take pride in doing things right, enjoy working with your hands, and want to be part of a team that actually lives its values…

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Production Specialist, you’ll play a key role in bringing our products to life:

• Assemble custom cable and wire harness products
• Follow detailed work instructions (we’ll train you!)
• Inspect your work to ensure top-notch quality
• Collaborate with a team that supports and lifts each other up
• Continuously learn and grow your skills

What We’re Looking For

You might be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy hands-on, detailed work
• Take pride in quality and doing things right the first time
• Show up reliable, ready to contribute
• Like working in a team environment
• Have manufacturing experience (a plus—but not required!)

Why Kato Cable?

We’re not your typical manufacturing environment:

• Clean, bright, temperature-controlled facility
• A culture built on our core values: Positive, Helpful, Innovative, Respectful, Integrity, Driven, Humble
• Employee appreciation events, wellness activities, and community involvement
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and build a long-term career

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday, 5:30 am - 4 pm

JOB PURPOSE: Perform a variety of operational functions which constitute the production, inspection and distribution of products or services for commercial customers. Duties include, but are not limited to, general wire, cable, and harness assembly, soldering, and quality assurance.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs assignments in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Quality Policy, including all items assigned to this position in accordance with ISO policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Complies with the work rules and standards set forth in the Kato Cable Employee Handbook.
• Assures that interactions with consumer workers are in compliance with consumer rights policies and all other policies governing the provision of services and programs for individuals with disabilities.
• Displays appropriate work ethics in the workplace and group settings which provides a positive influence on consumer workers.
• Refers to work order or procedural instructions appropriate for each job, function or assignment before commencing work.
• Performs any specified quality assurance checks designated for each job, function or assignment.
• Knowledge and ability to master up to two different work centers.
• Ability to cross-train to fill-in on other production lines or departments, as needed.
• Maintains good housekeeping and clean work areas in assigned work sites.
• Assures that all work assigned to position is performed in accordance with specifications, instructions and requirements.
• Demonstrates ability to meet production standards on specific assignments within a reasonable time, depending on the degree of difficulty of their job functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience, Competencies and Education

Must possess an education or experience level that permits the employee to effectively communicate and perform duties, assignments and responsibilities of the job. Must have the ability to measure and read prints. Must also have basic computer knowledge.

High school diploma or GED required.

• Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret the documents relating to the job, function or assignment.

• Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.

• Reasoning Ability

Ability to make decisions when identifying in-process problems. Ability to deal with a variety of job assignments.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Hand crimping
• Preparing wires and components for harnessing, soldering, and distribution.
• Experience/Ability to read prints
• Terminal Press Operation

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MEASURES

• Ability to accomplish assigned tasks safely.
• Adherence to the Quality Policy and ISO Procedural Requirements.
• Ability to maintain clean work areas and follow good housekeeping practices.
• Ability to follow work rules, work independently, be flexible and be willing to perform a variety of jobs.
• Ability to use any machinery/equipment required to accomplish any given job assignment.
• Ability to work effectively, courteously and respectfully with other personnel.

Physical Demands

Stand - Constant

Walk - Constant

Sit - Frequent

Use of Hands or Fingers - Constant

Reaching - Frequent

Climb or Balance - Rare/Occasional

Talk or Hear - Constant

• Weight Requirements

0 - 10lbs - Frequent

11 - 25lbs - Rare/Occasional

26 - 50lbs - Rare/Occasional

51 - 75lbs - Rare/Occasional

76 - 100lbs - Rare/Occasional

100+lbs - Rare/Occasional

• Vision Requirements
• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not normally exposed to weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.