Production Operator - 1st Shift

About the role

Join the Molex Aerospace & Defense Sector (ADS) manufacturing team as a Production Operator. Deliver defect-free product by applying disciplined workmanship, following regulated processes, and helping drive continual improvement in a safety- and quality-focused environment.

Hours

The Hours for this position are Monday - Friday, 6am - 2:30pm.

Team

You will be part of a cross-functional production team that partners closely with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to meet demanding customer requirements (AS9100, ITAR).

What You Will Do

• Operate production and manufacturing equipment according to work instructions and process requirements.
• Load materials, monitor machine performance, and make basic adjustments as required.
• Maintain full traceability and accurate documentation for all work, ensuring compliance with AS9100, ITAR/DFARS, and customer-specific requirements.
• Apply disciplined assembly techniques (crimp, solder, splice, potting, conformal coating, heat-shrink) to deliver repeatable, auditable results.
• Use inspection and test methods (visual, dimensional, electrical testing) to verify integrity and collaborate with Quality to resolve nonconformances.
• Contribute ideas and participate in continuous improvement activities (5S, Kaizen, process simplification) to improve output, reduce defects, and shorten lead time.
• Communicate proactively with Leads, Engineers, and Inspectors to escalate issues, implement corrective actions, and support training for newer team members.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• A high school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years of hands-on manufacturing or assembly experience (electronics, interconnect, or cable harness preferred).
• Able to read and follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and written work instructions; basic measurement and arithmetic skills.
• Eligible to work on ITAR-controlled programs (U.S. person status if required) and able to pass background checks and drug screening.
• Able to stand for extended periods, perform fine-motor tasks, and occasionally lift up to 30–50 lbs per site policy.

What Will Put You Ahead

• IPC-A-610 certification (or equivalent) and/or J-STD-001 soldering certification.
• Direct experience with cable harness assembly, crimp tooling, crimp press qualification, and harness test equipment (continuity, hi-pot).
• Familiarity with AS9100/FAI (AS9102) requirements and aerospace/defense quality systems.
• Experience working in ESD-controlled or other controlled-environment manufacturing areas and using microscopes/video inspection systems.
• Demonstrated participation in Lean/continuous improvement projects (Kaizen events, 5S implementations, productivity improvements).

Pay and Benefits

We anticipate paying $17.00/hr. - $19.00/hr. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance.