Production Assistant I - West Machining - 2nd shift

About the Role

2nd shift Lead responsible for overseeing an entire shift of manufacturing employees and/or department or production lines in machining and repair operations. This role focuses on problem-solving and escalation to meet customer order requirements, ensuring high-quality component production despite large degrees of variation in parts and processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide supervisory support for production employees using standard work documents, blueprints, safe job procedures, and other resources.
• Assist the production supervisor in scheduling manufacturing cells, production lines, and machining centers.
• Lead and participate in shift safety meetings and stretches.
• Transport very heavy loads using cranes, power pushers, or electric pallet jacks.
• Update team metrics and production goals; complete pass-down for management.
• Review machine analytics and employee output to improve efficiency.
• Determine work cell priorities and escalate issues to the production supervisor as needed.
• Conduct product audits/inspections to verify units meet customer specifications.
• Detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to management and Quality Assurance.
• Perform rework without standard work documents as needed.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, providing feedback on quality, safety, velocity, and cost.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on machines, including checking air pressures, oil levels, and performing minimal maintenance.
• Lead a team in a production environment, driving 5S adherence and completing 5S audits.
• Lead and participate in audits and/or safety investigations; conduct Standard Work audits.
• Drive adherence to start-of-shift checklists for equipment and safety.
• Cross-train employees and ensure operator training is conducted in a timely fashion.
• Interpret technical instructions while managing part and process consistency to deliver high-quality components.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure accountability for all materials.
• Collaborate with the quality department on all items needing inspection and support the process as required.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3+ years of machining experience with high-level performance, vocational training, or proven experience in manufacturing processes.
• Technical certifications in welding, CNC, or manual machining (or a combination of experience and education).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs., and push and pull up to 35-50 lbs.
• Constant walking, frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and overhead reaching; ability to climb ladders.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms.
• Must abide by all safety protocols, including health/medical screenings and required PPE (e.g., metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, aprons, ear protection).
• Self-starter with strong initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and driving continuous improvement activities.
• Mastery understanding of end-to-end manufacturing processes.
• Experience using warehouse equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes.
• Safety-focused with experience in a Lean manufacturing and 5S culture preferred.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel).

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (immediate vesting, no waiting period).
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Supplemental accident, critical care, and hospital insurance; HDHP and HSA with seed money.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and time-off (PTO).
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Education Assistance Program.
• Employee Recognition Programs.
• Site-specific production and incentive plans.
• Site-specific step and skill level wage adjustment plans.
• Site-specific relocation and sign-on bonus programs (subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines).

Winston Salem, North Carolina. 2nd shift.