Demo

Production Lead-night shift

DAKOTALAND MANUFACTURING
Watertown, SD Full Time
POSTED ON 2/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/26/2026


GENERAL DESCRIPTION


This position is responsible for serving as the lead individual for a manufacturing area. Establishes the daily priorities, and directs employees accordingly with input from supervisor. Lead ensures that employees are properly trained to perform functions safely and efficiently. Lead drives continuous improvement in department and ensures high quality output. This person in the lead position also produces machined parts and components by setting up, and operating computer numerical control, vertical mills, lathes, and traditional conventional machines. Must at all times support and promote the company Vision, Mission and Values, using UPSCALE as the foundation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the jobs purpose and objectives. Essential functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable.
Oversees and coordinates designated shift operational and support activities of the shop, ensures that work production meets established objectives, specifications, and standards, and that all applicable operating policies and procedures are adhered to.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
May review, evaluate and make recommendations for purchases such as supplies, materials and / or equipment.
Oversees the work of employees engaged in shop production and production support activities to include recommendations for: hiring, termination, performance evaluation, training, work allocation and problem-resolution.
Ensure all safety requirements are followed and all staff use appropriate PPE at all times.
Daily interaction with all employees in the area, providing feedback positive and negative back to the department supervisor.
First line of training and mentoring for all production workers.
Ensure production schedule follow through as allocated by the scheduling personnel.
Train new employees in safety, quality, 5S, production duties and overall expectations and serve as a resource to employees in designated area.
Meet customer specifications and delivery requirements.
Perform spot inspections of parts.
Perform all required routine and minor maintenance activities according to procedures.
Complete and maintain paperwork.
Ensure machinery is calibrated and cleaned.
Maintains department tooling, as required.
Leads in product problem resolution and calls for additional resources as necessary.
Read drawings and blueprints.
Provide input to supervisor for employee performance reviews.

Qualifications:


EDUCATION & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Advanced education a plus.
Lathe operation and setup experience required.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS


This individual must possess 2 years of experience in operating and setups of CNC Lathe Machines.
Must be competent in reading engineering drawings
Must be able to multitask and work independently.
Ability to read and understand blueprints and other shop drawing aids.
Ability to work with various types of metal forming constraints with guidance.
Ability to operate a forklift.
Flexible and responsive with a strong teamwork orientation.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work well in a fast paced environment to meet team expectations.
Demonstrated ability to effectively implement or respond to change.
Understanding and support of Dakotaland Manufacturing policies and procedures.
Safety conscious behavior.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Wear a fit-tested respirator if required.
Will work in a fast-paced industrial environment wearing hearing protection, vision protection, steel-toed shoes and other appropriate protective cloth
Normal memory, taking into consideration the amount and type of information.

COMPETENCIES To perform this job successfully, the employee will demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of the position.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason.
Communication and Teamwork - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
Motivation -Sets and achieves goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Time Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Salary.com Estimation for Production Lead-night shift in Watertown, SD
$66,458 to $91,360
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