Custom Skate Production Associate

WHO WE ARE:

Headquartered in Shelby Township, Michigan, Warrior Sports is recognized as one of the sporting goods industry’s premier manufacturers of innovative, high-performance, cutting-edge equipment, footwear, and apparel for lacrosse and hockey athletes of all ages and abilities.

Founded in 1992, Warrior was acquired by privately held New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. in February 2004. The 2007 acquisition of Boston-based Brine Sporting Goods further established Warrior Sports as the dominant force in the lacrosse and hockey world.

Position Summary

The Hockey Skate Builder assembles, sews, fits, inspects, and finishes custom hockey skates to customer specifications and company quality standards. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to producing high-quality products in a manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Assembly & Production

• Assemble and install hockey skate components, including boots, holders, runners, tongues, eyelets, and related hardware according to specifications and customer requirements.
• Position, align, adjust, and finish products to ensure proper fit, function, and performance.
• Read and interpret production orders, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Meet production, quality, and efficiency goals while maintaining craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Rotate among workstations and assist with special projects, prototype builds, and new product development as assigned.

Sewing & Manufacturing Operations

• Operate industrial sewing and embroidery equipment to assemble and finish skate components.
• Measure, cut, align, and position materials accurately.
• Adjust machine settings as needed based on materials and product requirements.
• Perform routine equipment checks and report maintenance concerns.

Quality & Safety

• Inspect materials, components, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards and customer expectations.
• Identify and resolve assembly or quality issues and make adjustments as needed.
• Maintain required production and quality documentation.
• Follow all safety, quality, attendance, and workplace policies.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and support changing production needs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with hand tools, sewing equipment, assembly processes, or custom-built products is preferred but not required.
• Experience with industrial sewing or embroidery equipment is a plus.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and measuring equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn new equipment and processes.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to safely operate tools, sewing equipment, and production machinery.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining quality standards.

Associate Benefits: At Warrior, we know our success starts with our people. That’s why we offer a robust, low-cost benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with 100% match on the first 5%
• Paid parental leave
• $100 monthly tuition loan repayment assistance
• Fitness reimbursement
• 4 weeks of PTO 12 paid holidays
• Volunteer time off
• Employee discounts on New Balance, Warrior, and Brine products

Other Perks:

• Strong focus on growth and development
• We love to promote from within—many associates have advanced multiple times
• Comprehensive performance reviews and annual compensation adjustments
• A collaborative, high-impact environment where every role matters

This is a full-time, first-shift position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Occasional opportunities for overtime.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Warrior provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.