Lead Production Operator

About Dove

Dove Robotics runs high-volume cannabis co-packing and contract manufacturing out of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. We operate 9 production lines running dozens of SKUs. The work is fast, precise, and technical — and we pay accordingly.

The Role

The Lead Operator owns a production line end-to-end: output, quality, changeover speed, team execution, and documentation. You are not a manager sitting in a meeting room — you work the line, run the equipment, and set the standard for your crew of Operators and Production Technicians. You report directly to the Production Manager.

What You'll Own

· Line output targets — drive equipment & team performance to meet or exceed daily production goals

· Changeover execution — lead equipment changeovers to meet target completion times; own setup verification and first-article quality checks

· Quality on your line — maintain SOP compliance, monitor line-level defect rates, stop the line when quality is at risk

· Equipment readiness — run pre-shift equipment checks, perform basic troubleshooting, escalate mechanical issues fast with clear information to Engineering

· Team execution — train new Operators on equipment and procedures, direct daily work assignments on your line, coach Production Technicians on standards

· End-of-shift documentation — complete production logs, downtime records, and quality checksheets accurately and on time

· Continuous improvement — identify waste, flag recurring problems, suggest process changes, participate in changeover time reduction efforts

What We're Looking For

Required:

· 3 years operating production/manufacturing equipment (packaging, bottling, assembly, converting, or similar high-speed lines)

· Demonstrated experience leading changeovers on multi-SKU or multi-product lines

· Ability to read and follow SOPs, batch records, or work instructions precisely

· Hands-on mechanical aptitude — you can troubleshoot a jam, adjust a setting, and explain what went wrong

· Proven reliability: consistent attendance, on time, every shift

Preferred:

· Experience in a lead, senior operator, or line lead role — formal or informal

· Background in GMP, food/beverage, pharma, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing

· Familiarity with Throughput, OEE, UPLH, or other production KPIs

Who Thrives Here:

· You take ownership — if it is on your line, it is your problem

· You are quality-first — you will slow down or stop the line before shipping a defect

· You teach, not hoard — you make the people around you better

· You communicate directly — no surprises, no excuses, clear escalation when needed

· You are physically able to stand for full shifts, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a fast-paced production environment