Machine Operator / Pellet Charger - Federal Ammunition

About the Role

The Charger / Operator will maintain productivity levels that support the departmental production schedule while adhering to established quality and safety standards. This position is based at our Anoka location and reports to the Factory Operations Supervisor.

Responsibilities

Pellet Charger

• Select proper powder type according to posted schedules.
• Fill holes of charging plate accurately and timely to form primer pellets.
• Transfer charge pellets from charge plate to primer cups or Rimfire shells.
• Inspect cups and shells before and after charging, removing defective items and those not containing pellets.
• Maintain the charge table and work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Observe all applicable safety rules and report unsafe conditions or potential hazards to supervisor.
• Conduct training for employees with varying skill levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Operator

• Monitor the quality of the operation's output and make adjustments to keep it within specification, without assistance from the Adjuster or Maintenance Mechanic.
• Seek assistance for advanced adjustments while using the opportunity for on-the-job training to enhance mechanical skills.
• Maintain productivity to ensure on-time delivery of product.
• Actively participate in the Natural Work Team process.
• Monitor work area for safety, ensuring neatness and adherence to safety rules; report hazards immediately.
• Conduct training for employees with varying skill levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Adjust or operate machines if trained to do so.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• 1+ years of on-the-job experience; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Manual dexterity to handle very small items.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and take direction from others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical experience, demonstrated mechanical ability, or strong desire to learn mechanical operations through training.

Physical Requirements

Charger

• All duties performed while standing.
• Frequent gripping, pushing, pulling, and exertion of downward pressure with arms and shoulders.
• Bending of waist and reaching with upper arms to handle primer mix batches (~2 pounds).
• Extension of arms at shoulder level and rotation of shoulders/forearms to transfer pellets.
• Manual dexterity and fingering to remove defects from charging plate.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and manipulating objects up to 10 pounds.
• Near vision for inspecting cups and shells; normal color vision required.

Operator

• Majority of time spent sitting, standing, or moving about.
• Frequent reaching, handling, fingering, and manual dexterity for assembly, operation, and inspection.
• Occasional bending and extension of arms at shoulder level.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and manipulating objects up to 35 pounds (up to 50 pounds occasionally).
• Near vision for handling small parts and detecting defects; normal color vision and depth perception required.

Mental Requirements

• Attention to detail to identify defects.
• Ability to take direction and communicate effectively in a team environment.
• High mental attentiveness for manipulating small parts and ensuring safety.
• Reading and basic math comprehension for interpreting procedures, quality information, and production reports.
• Interpersonal communication skills for problem-solving and daily interaction with team members.

Equipment Used

Charger

• Charge bed, charge plate, scraper, pin plate, conveyer, tweezers.

Operator

• Pick, wood hammer, plates, inspection gauges, primer storage containers, and machinery for primer assembly, loading, packing, and draw press operations.

Working Environment

• Charger: Exposure to airborne lead, explosives, wet floors, and mechanical hazards (e.g., conveyers). Work is collaborative with frequent direction.
• Operator: Majority of time spent on the manufacturing floor with exposure to noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, and moving equipment (e.g., fork trucks). Exposure to chemicals varies by area.

Employee work assignments may include tasks with exposure to hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.

Pay

Starting pay: $24.62/hour plus applicable shift differential. Pay increases to $28.06 after 90 days, with additional performance-based increases every 90 days, up to $35.77/hour.

Schedule

Potential openings on the following full-time shifts:

• Shift Q: 6pm–6am, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and every other Thursday.
• Shift P: 6am–6pm, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and every other Thursday.

Training (first 6–8 weeks) will be held on a different shift.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Vision, disability, and life insurance.
• 401K retirement plan.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Gear discounts.