Machine Operator - Composite Manufacturing

Machine Operator – Composite Manufacturing

Shift: 1st Shift | Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM
2nd Shift| M-TH 3:15 pm - 1:45 am, possible OT on Fridays
Pay: $22.00 - $23/hour

Position Summary

We are seeking a Machine Operator to support composite manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting production equipment while ensuring products meet quality and production standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, experience working with composite materials or resin systems, and the ability to safely operate and maintain production machinery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hand lay-up of composite materials according to production specifications.
• Work with and understand various resin systems, including epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, silicones, and related materials.
• Stage materials and equipment for production and complete proper machine setup.
• Operate production machinery through startup, operation, shutdown, and changeover processes.
• Monitor equipment performance and make adjustments as needed to maintain quality and production output.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform basic/minor repairs and maintenance.
• Clean and maintain machinery and work areas to support safe and efficient production.
• Perform visual inspections of equipment, safety guards, barriers, and other components to identify potential hazards or defects.
• Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to specifications; identify and separate nonconforming product.
• Report quality issues, equipment concerns, safety hazards, and production problems to leadership.
• Complete required hourly production and quality reports, including documenting downtime and the reason for downtime.
• Maintain accurate production records and communicate important information to team members and shift leadership.
• Train on and safely operate various production machines and provide backup support in other production areas as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment.
• Work effectively with other departments to maintain communication regarding safety, quality, and production.
• Follow all company safety procedures, work instructions, and applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma not required.
• 1–3 years of related manufacturing or machine operation experience preferred.
• Previous experience working with composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, and/or resin systems strongly preferred.
• Experience operating or working around lay-up, consolidator, trim, or press equipment strongly preferred.
• Basic math skills with the ability to understand weights, measurements, and production specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of common hand tools.
• Ability to identify equipment, quality, or safety issues and communicate/escalate concerns promptly.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a manufacturing environment.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who is hands-on, mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, and comfortable working with composite materials and production equipment. Experience with composite manufacturing, machine operation, or resin systems is highly valued.