What are the responsibilities and job description for the Machine Operator position at Standex Engraving?
Job Title: Machine Operator
Department: Production - Soft Trim Manufacturing (Automotive)
Status: Non-exempt
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Location: Fraser, MI
Summary
The Machine Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring Class A soft trim and plastic injection molding equipment to produce high-quality automotive components. This role requires a dependable, efficient, self-starting individual who follows automotive quality and safety standards and performs post-production tasks such as wrapping, labeling, and packaging finished parts.
What You’ll Do
Department: Production - Soft Trim Manufacturing (Automotive)
Status: Non-exempt
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Location: Fraser, MI
Summary
The Machine Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring Class A soft trim and plastic injection molding equipment to produce high-quality automotive components. This role requires a dependable, efficient, self-starting individual who follows automotive quality and safety standards and performs post-production tasks such as wrapping, labeling, and packaging finished parts.
What You’ll Do
- Set up, operate, and monitor specialized machinery to meet production schedules and specifications.
- Inspect production parts for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and conformance to automotive quality standards.
- Record production data, quantities produced, scrap, and machine parameters accurately.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
- Assist with mold changes, machine setup, and tooling adjustments.
- Wrap, protect, label, and package finished parts according to customer and shipping requirements.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols
- Maintain a clean, organized workstation and support 5S and lean manufacturing initiatives.
- Communicate production issues, quality concerns, and improvement opportunities to supervision.
- Work independently with minimal supervision; demonstrate initiative to improve efficiency and quality.
- Adheres consistently to attendance/punctuality, safety, and other company policies
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 1 years’ operating soft trim equipment and / or injection molding machines within automotive industry preferred. Will consider training those in strong alignment with rest of job profile.
- Experience with soft trim part finesse and manual edge-folding preferred.
- Technical Skills: Knowledge of plastic materials, molding parameters, and basic machine troubleshooting; ability to read work instructions and basic engineering drawings.
- Work Traits: Self-starter; efficient; dependable; strong attention to detail; commitment to safety and quality. Personal growth mindset.
- Other: Willingness to work required shifts, overtime, and adhere to company attendance policies.
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC), poka-yoke, or process documentation.
- Certification or training in injection molding equipment, mechanical aptitude, or forklift operation.
- Familiarity with automotive PPAP, APQP, or ISO/TS quality requirements.
- Work performed in a manufacturing plant with exposure to noise, heat, and industrial chemicals; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual handling of parts and materials (manual dexterity).
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., perform repetitive motions, and work in a manufacturing environment.