Finishing Operator - 3pm to 1am - $2 Shift Differential

Position Summary

Valley Steel Stamp is hiring a Finishing Operator to prepare conforming parts for shipment to customers by performing finishing, inspection, marking, cleaning, and packaging activities. This role supports the final stages of production and is responsible for maintaining quality, following production schedules and work instructions, identifying issues promptly, and ensuring parts are handled and protected appropriately throughout the finishing process.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspection of parts, including inspection under a microscope when required, to verify parts meet appearance and handling requirements before shipment.
• Perform finishing operations such as deburring, sandblasting, washing, passivation, laser marking, polishing, and packaging of conforming parts.
• Read and follow production schedules, job travelers, work orders, customer requirements, and applicable work instructions.
• Handle, stage, and package parts carefully to prevent damage, contamination, nicks, dings, or mixed lots.
• Proactively notify the Finishing Supervisor of quality concerns, nonconforming parts, process issues, material shortages, or equipment problems.
• Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including part counts, production records, inspection checks, and other required logs.
• Maintain work area, tools, fixtures, and equipment in a clean, organized, and orderly condition in accordance with company housekeeping and 6S expectations.
• Follow all company policies, safety requirements, PPE expectations, and applicable procedures for assigned finishing processes.
• Support team production goals by moving between finishing tasks as trained and assisting with additional duties assigned by the Supervisor.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve quality, flow, organization.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining quality, accuracy, and process discipline.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize defects, cosmetic concerns, and handling issues.
• Ability to read and follow production schedules, work orders, job travelers, and written work instructions.
• Basic math, counting, and documentation skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to prioritize assigned work.
• Positive attitude, reliability, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, quality personnel, and management.

Preferred

• Prior finishing, manufacturing, inspection, packaging, or production experience preferred, but not required.
• Experience with deburring, sandblasting, passivation, polishing, laser marking, washing, or visual inspection.
• Familiarity with microscopes, basic inspection tools, part handling, and customer-facing cosmetic requirements.
• Experience supporting 6S, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement in a production environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Production floor environment with exposure to typical manufacturing noise, equipment, dust, finishing media, cleaning processes, and required PPE.
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching throughout the shift.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for inspection, part handling, deburring, packaging, and other repetitive finishing tasks.
• Visual acuity required for detailed inspection work, including use of a microscope when required.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and wear required PPE for assigned finishing operations.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. Other related duties may be assigned as business needs require.