Welding Machine Operator

Pridgeon & Clay Inc; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical coverage

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive total compensation

Job summary

Pridgeon & Clay Inc is seeking a Machine Operator for the 1st shift (6:30am-2:30pm) to operate various machinery and assemble automotive components per quality policies. You will complete production paperwork, assist in change-overs, load materials, and ensure parts meet customer specs through meticulous inspection.

The role emphasizes adherence to ISO/IATF standards, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Candidates should have basic machining experience and a commitment to attendance and safety.

Qualifications

• Three months experience operating manufacturing machinery such as welders, riveters, grinders, tappers or similar.
• Excellent work record, including attendance.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Owns calipers and micrometers as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Read, understand, and complete all production paperwork, including inspection sheets and standard work instructions.
• Follow setup instructions when operating machines and support change-overs.
• Read and follow tags; use scheduling system to start jobs, print labels, load materials, and close out jobs.
• Operate presses to process parts while maintaining production levels and quality.
• Troubleshoot machines to ensure part quality and maximize output.
• Repair parts per process instructions to meet customer specs.
• Follow packing instructions and prepare for shipping.
• Check Total Preventative Maintenance and notify Team Leader if measurements are out of range.
• Perform other duties as required to support production.

Skills

Machinery operation

Quality control

Attendance

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

CMM

Height gauges

Rind gauges

Job description

1st Shift: 6:30am-2:30pm

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding job that allows you to utilize your skills to their fullest potential? Do you want to join a team of hardworking, enthusiastic and creative people and enjoy working with a company that recognizes and embraces diversity? Do you take pride working with a company that is committed to being a great corporate citizen and playing a role in producing the highest quality products and services?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pridgeon and Clay is the place for you...

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value-added manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States.

Objective: The Machine Operator operates various machinery to tap, ream, form, sand, spot weld and/or rivet components in an exemplary manner according to the company quality policies.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• Three months experience operating manufacturing machinery such as welders, riveters, grinders, tappers, or other assembly machinery
• An excellent work record, including attendance
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Operators are responsible for owning a set of approved calipers and micrometers

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements)

Essential Functions:

Standard Work:

• Read, understand, and complete all production paperwork, including inspection check sheets, quality alerts, and standard work instructions in the job books.
• Follow set-up instructions when operating machines. Support activities in the change-over process.
• Read, follow, and complete tags.
• Use work scheduling system to proficiently start jobs, print labels, load components and raw materials, and close out jobs.
• Operate machines and/or presses to process parts via standard instructions, consistently maintaining appropriate production levels.
• Troubleshoot machines to ensure both part quality and maximum production levels.
• Manually repair parts as needed according to process instructions to meet customer specifications.
• Follow pack instructions according to customer specifications and prepare for shipping.
• Properly place scrap in the right container.
• Check the Total Preventative Maintenance of the machines, and if measurements are found to be out of the defined ranges, notify the Team Leader.
• Perform other duties as required to support production as directed by the Team Leader.

Continuous Improvement/Lean Principles:

• Efficiently utilize machine downtime.
• Participate in, and support lean initiatives such as continuous improvement events and problem solving events, identifying and eliminating all types of waste. Document cost savings, consolidate processes, and eliminate unnecessary operations.
• Suggest and implement ideas to increase personal and departmental efficiency.
• Anticipate problems and work to eliminate them before they happen.

Quality:

• Follow control plans (inspection sheets) to complete first piece and in-process checks. Conduct quality checks per check sheet and quality alerts, including visual inspections.
• Use calipers, micrometers, thread gages, height gages, rind gages, and other quality items as required by work center in order to ensure the production of quality parts.
• Stop production and notify Team Leader when a non-standard condition is found.
• Operate the CMM and interpret CMM reports.

Safety/5S:

• Follow all safety procedures, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), controls, safety devices and use of coolants.
• Identify potential safety issues and take appropriate action, bringing to the attention of leadership.

Organization/Communication/Professionalism:

• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, IATF 16949, and safety regulations.
• Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity, and positive attitude) for employees and managers to emulate.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Safety, We Can If...Do What It Takes, and Ownership) daily, through thoughts and actions.

In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:

• A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan including premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
• A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
• An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
• A positive work/life balance
• An opportunity for career growth – Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within