Production Tech - Swing Shift

BENCHMADE; Baker City (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. seeks skilled Production Technicians for its Baker City, OR facility. Roles span Production Tech I–V with progression through laser engraving, sharpening, assembly, and related processes in knife manufacturing.

Positions emphasize adherence to safety, quality, and productivity targets. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, strong manual dexterity, ability to follow instructions, and basic computer literacy. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Good manual dexterity and ability to assemble small parts.
• Excellent attention to detail and steady performance under production goals.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical assembly problems.
• Ability to understand and follow written or verbal instruction in English.

Responsibilities

• Assemble knives from components using small manual and semi‑automatic hand tools and fixtures.
• Visually inspect parts to meet cosmetic requirements.
• Perform minor troubleshooting while assembling components and use Andon signals for issues.
• Complete required documentation and maintain work area cleanliness.
• Cross-train across assembly functions and support continuous improvement teams.
• Meet daily production, cycle time, quality, and safety metrics.
• Maintain proficiency across categories described in the skills matrix.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

English comprehension

Reading instructions

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MES Lite

Job description

We are people powered — by makers, problem‑solvers, and leaders who elevate everything they do. Guided by our core values and a relentless pursuit of better, we continue to set the bar for premium.

Core Values

• ELEVATE EVERYTHING – We each bring a specific set of skills to the table, offering up our expertise and resources to enhance the work of others. We challenge each other to be the best in order to achieve enduring value in the eyes of our customers.
• BETTER IS BETTER – There is no finish line; we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. We obsess over every detail to find ways to improve both our products and our process.
• UNAPOLOGETICALLY ACCOUNTABLE – We’re open and honest in how we speak and listen. We celebrate each other’s successes, and collectively rally to solve every challenge. We own it!
• COURAGEOUS INNOVATION – There are elegant ideas awaiting discovery in everything we do. We push everyone around us to pursue those ideas openly so we can continue to dominate the category.
• COMMUNITY DRIVEN – As a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us.

Production Technician Role

The Production Technician role encompasses all direct labor positions within the Assembly department. Technicians are responsible for following written and oral instructions to perform a variety of assembly operations to assemble small parts into functioning knives. This may include Laser/Engrave, Serrate, Sharpening, Clean/Box, Prep, Material Handling, Taumel, Assembly, and other processes within the Assembly department. The Technician also performs fittings and alignments to ensure free action of moveable parts, conducts cosmetic inspection of the components as they are assembling in order to ensure a high‑quality standard, tests the knife to ensure functionality, and performs minor troubleshooting of any problems. This includes meeting established production, quality, and performance metrics and communicating issues immediately to their lead or process technicians if an issue arises. The Production Technician participates in continuous improvement activities as assigned. Technicians may be assigned additional responsibilities, including support of engineering in process development, troubleshooting, validation, and training of fellow operators in skills and functions they’ve mastered. This position offers a structured, skill‑based development path with five progressive levels, providing opportunities for growth.

Production Tech I

Entry level position characterized by manual operations and basic equipment operations. Familiarity with basic systems (MES Lite) and processes such as quality, safety, speed, and standard work interpretation. All assembly, boxing, and prep functions. Entry level through basic mechanisms such as manual axis lock, fixed blades, push button auto, and assist. Must be able to build independently 50 knives/day and at box, must be able to process 250 knives/day. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory.

Production Tech II

Intermediate position characterized by level I mastery and continued qualifications at an entry level in Assembly. Can build all basic assemblies independently. Understanding of collaborative assembly. In addition, must acquire competency in 2 or more of either taumel, hydro press, or material handling and must be able to meet cell takt times at collaborative. All assembly to include collaborative, boxing, and prep functions, material handling, taumel, hydro press. Intermediate level through mechanisms such as manual axis lock, fixed blades, push button auto, OTF's and assist. Must be able to build independently 65 knives/day, must meet stated takt times at collaborative, and at box must be able to process 430 knives/day. Demonstrated proficiency in Assembly Material Handling. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory.

Production Tech III

Senior operators for Assembly. Entry level for laser engrave, serrate, sharpening, CBN, and buffing. Demonstrated proficiency with all mechanisms and ability to meet or exceed stated production goals and/or entry into one or more of the following programs – completion of the cleaning training and associated safety trainings, Laser Engrave training program, enrollment in Sharpening training program, displayed competency on at least 1 serrate machine and completion of required trainings. Proficient at building all mechanism varieties. Able to build independently 80 knives/day and meet stated takt times at collaborative. Cleaners should be able to process 430 knives/day. Avg. uptime on laser or serrate of 60% Familiarity with appropriate sharpening/buffing techniques. Must be able to sharpen 120 knives/day or buff 240 knives/day. CBN sharpening 60/day and CBN buffing 120/day. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory.

Production Tech IV

Intermediate position for Sharpening/Buffing and Laser/Serrate operators. Demonstrated proficiency with operation of Laser/Engrave machines and completion of Laser/Engrave training and either WS1 or WS3. Average uptime on laser or serrate of 80%. Ability to sharpen all basic drop point, clip point, and recurve models with a scrap rate of 5% or less at a rate of 240 knives/day for sharpen or 360 knives/day for buffing or 100 knives/day for CBN sharpening. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory.

Production Tech V

Senior operator level for Sharpening/Buffing, and Laser/Serrate operators. Demonstrated proficiency with operation of Laser/Engrave machines and completion of Laser/Engrave training and both WS1 and WS3. Average uptime on laser or serrate of 90%. Ability to sharpen all models with a scrap rate of 5% or less at a rate of 360 knives/day for sharpening or 480 knives/day for buffing or 140 knives/day for CBN sharpening. Quality, safety, and speed should be satisfactory.

Job Responsibilities

• Assemble knives from components using small manual and semi‑automatic hand tools and fixtures.
• Visually inspect parts used in knife assembly to ensure they meet cosmetic requirements.
• Perform minor troubleshooting of problems while assembling components. Use Andon signals to notify the lead of any issues.
• Complete required documentation.
• May be moved throughout department to support department needs. Cross‑train at various assembly functions, which may include prepping sub‑assemblies, laser mark and serration, sharpening, or cleaning and packaging of sharpened knives.
• Actively participates in continuous improvement teams and supports a continuous improvement culture in the area by striving to help meet the department’s challenges while working towards the company vision.
• Consistently meet daily production, cycle time, quality, and safety requirements.
• Sustain proficient level or higher for all categories described as necessary in the skills matrix for this position.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of work area.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED equivalent, and 3‑4 years of general manufacturing experience is required. Equivalency to the qualification standard will also be considered.
• Must have good manual dexterity and ability to handle and assemble small parts.
• Must have excellent attention to detail.
• Must be able to troubleshoot mechanical assembly problems on all sku types.
• Must be able to execute Assembly processes of any knife sku in a safe manner while performing at the current production goal for quality and quantity.
• Must be able to work in a flow line and meet fast‑paced production rates.
• Must demonstrate ability to exercise good judgment in performing subjective inspections such as cosmetic criteria and determining knife functionality (smooth opening, detent force, blade stability).
• Must be able to understand and follow written/oral instruction in English.
• Basic Computer skills a plus.

Working Conditions

• Working Environment: Production floor Position
• Physical Demands: Lifting up to 25 lbs., sitting and standing for long periods of time.
• Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 5% of the time.
• Standard PPE is required for this position including: Grinding, pressing, or basic assembly could produce flying particles of metal which can cause eye and skin injuries. Wear safety glasses.
• Falling objects could present a foot hazard. Closed‑toed shoes are always required for all positions in the manufacturing area.
• Some positions may require safety toe and metatarsal protection.
• Handling sharp blades can cause lacerations and punctures of the hands and fingers. Cut resistant gloves are available for handling sharp knives.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment (exposure to noise, coolants, abrasives, heat, adhesives, and automated and manual equipment).
• Shifts may be 8 to 10 hours in length. Overtime may be required.
• Some temporary shift changes may be required.

This is an exciting time to be part of a company on the verge of even greater success. If you think you have what it takes to be part of a company that strives to create a working environment that stimulates team spirit, passion, engagement, and achievement, complete an application today. Please include a resume with your online application.

Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Benchmade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] or 1‑800‑800‑7427.