Production Team Member

Neat Companies; Russell Springs (KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Neat Companies is seeking a Production Team Member to operate and maintain production equipment in a lean manufacturing environment. The role emphasizes safe material handling, precise measurement, and a strong right-first-time quality mindset.

You will read work orders, setup tooling, perform changeovers, and conduct in-process inspections while upholding 5S and safety standards. Forklift/tugger operation may be required if certified and training is provided.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform precise measurements with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and similar devices.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required for right-first-time quality.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, blueprints, and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned machinery per standardized work instructions and schedules.
• Set up, adjust, and monitor equipment to ensure consistent output.
• Safely transport materials and finished goods using forklifts or tuggers (where certified).
• Perform changeovers and minor machine troubleshooting as needed.
• Conduct in-process inspections and document results.

Skills

Precision measurement

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Forklift operation

Job description

Summary:The Production Team Member is responsible for operating and maintaining production equipment to produce high-quality parts in a lean manufacturing environment. This role requires strong attention to detail, safe material handling practices (including forklift/tugger operation), and precise measurement skills to ensure product conformity, while supporting plant SQDCI objectives through safe operations, standardized work, and continuous improvement.Key Responsibilities:Daily Operations & ExecutionOperate assigned machinery in accordance with standardized work instructions and production schedulesSet up, adjust, and monitor equipment to ensure consistent performance and outputPerform changeovers, tooling adjustments, and minor machine troubleshootingRead and interpret work orders, blueprints, and specificationsSafely transport materials and finished goods using forklifts, tuggers, or other material handling equipment (as required and certified)Manually load and unload parts, including lifting and positioning components onto racks, fixtures, or standsEscalate equipment or process abnormalities through defined Daily Management System (DMS) channelsPrecision Measurement & Quality Control (Critical Focus)Perform accurate measurements using tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection devicesVerify parts meet exact specifications and tolerancesConduct in-process inspections and document results when requiredIdentify defects immediately, stop production if needed, and escalate per standard proceduresMaintain strict adherence to quality standards and a “right-first-time” mindsetSafety (S)Follow all safety procedures, machine guarding requirements, and PPE standardsOperate forklifts and tuggers safely in accordance with company policies and OSHA regulations (if certified)Use proper lifting techniques and follow ergonomic guidelines when manually handling partsConduct pre-shift equipment inspections and report any safety issuesMaintain a clean, organized workspace using 5S principlesIdentify hazards, report near misses, and support a zero-incident cultureDelivery (D)Meet production targets and takt time requirementsMaintain steady machine operation to support flow and schedule attainmentEnsure timely movement of materials to and from production areas to prevent delaysCommunicate any production delays or risks immediatelySupport continuous production flow by minimizing downtimeCost (C) & ProductivityReduce scrap, rework, and material waste through precise operation and measurementOptimize cycle times while maintaining quality standardsPerform basic preventive maintenance to support equipment reliabilityMinimize downtime through quick response to machine issuesHandle materials efficiently using proper equipment to reduce damage or lossInventory (I)Properly track and handle raw materials and finished goodsMaintain WIP control and prevent overproductionSupport FIFO and material traceability requirementsSafely store and transport parts on racks, pallets, or stands to prevent damageLean Manufacturing & Continuous ImprovementFollow and sustain standard work processesMaintain 5S organization at the workstationIdentify waste (motion, waiting, defects, over-processing) and suggest improvementsParticipate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiativesSupport visual management and daily KPI trackingAccountability & Team Participation:Participate in Tier 1 (daily) meetings and contribute to problem-solving discussionsFollow direction from the Production Team Leader and support team goalsTake ownership of individual output, quality, and performance metricsCollaborate with maintenance, quality, and material handling teamsQualifications and Experience:High school diploma or GED preferred1–3+ years of manufacturing or machine operating experience preferredExperience with precision measurement tools required or strong ability to learnForklift/tugger operation experience preferred (or ability to become certified)Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications preferredStrong attention to detail and high level of accuracyProficiency with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)Mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting abilityAbility to safely operate material handling equipmentAbility to lift and handle parts in a safe and controlled mannerAbility to follow standardized work with discipline and consistencyProblem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement focusStrong communication and teamwork skillsWork Environment & Physical Requirements:Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and moving equipmentRequires standing, repetitive motion, and regular lifting of partsFrequent use of forklifts, tuggers, and manual material handlingUse of PPE required (safety glasses, gloves, etc.)May involve shift work, overtime, and weekend coverage