Manufacturing Associate (Monday - Thursday, 6:00AM to 4:30PM)

Manufacturing Associate

At National Trade Supply, the Manufacturing Associate is a versatile, cross-trained production team member who plays a direct role in the assembly, quality, and packaging of the air and water filtration products we manufacture. This is a single role that spans the full breadth of our manufacturing floor from assembling filter components and installing gaskets, to printing and applying frame labels, inspecting finished units, and boxing completed product for shipment. Every Manufacturing Associate is expected to develop competency across all functions and rotate between stations as production needs require.

We are seeking reliable, detail-oriented team members who take pride in producing a quality product and understand that every station on the floor matters. Success in this role requires the ability to learn multiple processes, follow standard work instructions precisely, maintain consistent output throughout a full shift, and hold yourself and your work to a high standard regardless of which station you are assigned to that day.

At National Trade Supply, we operate with a shared set of core values that guide how we work and grow together: Grit, Bias for Action, Critical Thinking, Self-Awareness, and Operational Excellence. These principles shape our culture, influence our decisions, and define what it means to succeed on our team.

Key Responsibilities

Assembly

• Perform hands-on assembly of air or water filtration products at assigned production stations in accordance with standard work instructions and cycle time targets.
• Follow established build sequences and techniques for each product type, ensuring every unit is assembled completely and correctly before moving downstream.
• Maintain a consistent output rate throughout the full shift, keeping pace with line flow and daily production targets.
• Notify the team lead promptly of any tooling issues, material shortages, or build concerns that could affect production.
• Perform changeovers on the assembly line as required, transitioning between product types efficiently and in accordance with standard work instructions.

Pre/Post Assembly

• Install O-rings onto water filters, including the caps, heads, and inserts, ensuring proper seating on every component.
• Glue caps onto the carbon and confirm a secure, complete bond before the unit advances downstream.
• Load carbon into canisters in accordance with standard work instructions and fill specifications.

Gasket Installation

• Install gaskets on air filter frames in accordance with approved work instructions, ensuring proper alignment, seating, and compression on every unit.
• Inspect gasket condition prior to installation reject and set aside any gaskets that are torn, deformed, or otherwise non-conforming.
• Verify that gaskets are fully and evenly seated before the unit advances to the next production stage.
• Maintain awareness of gasket inventory levels at the workstation and communicate replenishment needs to the Material Handler or team lead before running out.

Frame Printing

• Operate the frame printer to produce and apply product identification labels to air filter frames in accordance with work instructions and labeling specifications.
• Verify that each label is printed correctly, including the correct product number, description, and any required markings, before applying it to the frame.
• Apply labels accurately and consistently properly aligned, fully adhered, and free of bubbles, creases, or misplacement.
• Perform basic printer maintenance tasks including label stock loading and print head cleaning; notify the team lead of any printer errors or malfunctions.
• Maintain label stock levels at the workstation and request replenishment as needed.

Boxing & Quality Control

• Inspect assembled and finished filtration products against approved quality standards throughout the shift, checking for defects in construction, cosmetic appearance, labeling, gasket installation, and packaging.
• Identify, segregate, and tag non-conforming units; communicate quality concerns to the team lead promptly and do not allow defective product to advance downstream.
• Compare finished units against approved reference samples or visual quality standards at the workstation.
• Raise concerns about recurring defects, process drift, or unclear quality standards to the team lead immediately rather than making independent judgment calls on borderline product.
• Box completed filtration products in accordance with approved packaging specifications, including correct product orientation, insert placement, and box configuration.
• Verify product count, product number, and label accuracy before sealing each box.
• Seal, label, and stage completed boxes in designated outbound areas in a neat and organized manner.
• Maintain packaging material levels at the workstation and communicate replenishment needs before running out.

Water Spider

• Gather and stage raw materials, components, and supplies at each production workstation based on the daily production schedule, ensuring assembly, gasket installation, frame printing, and boxing & quality control all have what they need before the line starts.
• Replenish materials at each station throughout the shift to keep production running without interruption, anticipating consumption rates rather than waiting to be asked.
• Coordinate with team leads and associates to confirm material requirements, identify shortages early, and communicate any supply issues that could affect the production schedule.
• Maintain organization of staging areas and material flow paths in accordance with 5S standards, keeping aisles clear and materials properly labeled and located.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Adhere to all established company safety policies and procedures, with special attention to PPE requirements and safe handling practices at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation throughout the shift in accordance with 5S standards.
• Report any safety hazards, near-misses, equipment issues, or injuries to the team lead immediately.
• Clean and prepare the workstation at shift end to ensure the incoming shift can begin without delay.

The Outcome We Are Seeking

Success in this role looks like a manufacturing floor where every station is covered, every unit that leaves the line meets our quality standard, and every associate can be trusted to do the right thing regardless of which function they are assigned to that day. The Manufacturing Associate is the core of our production operation, and the consistency they bring to assembly, pre/post assembly, gasket installation, frame printing, and quality control & boxing is what makes our products something customers can rely on.

A strong Manufacturing Associate is cross-trained, dependable, and quality-driven. They follow the process as written, raise concerns before defects multiply, and show up every day ready to contribute no matter the station. Over time, they build the breadth of knowledge that creates real value on the floor and opens the door to advancement.

Performance will be measured by:

• Output rate and adherence to production cycle time targets across all assigned stations
• Product quality and defect rate at point of assembly, gasket installation, frame printing, and quality control & boxing
• Label accuracy and frame printing compliance
• Packaging accuracy including product count, orientation, and carton labeling
• Safety compliance and PPE adherence
• Attendance, reliability, and punctuality
• Workstation cleanliness and adherence to 5S standards
• Cross-training progress and demonstrated competency across all manufacturing functions

Why Choose Us?

• Competitive hourly pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being.
• A MondayThursday schedule (6:00 AM 4:30 PM) that gives you three-day weekends every week.
• Cross-training across all manufacturing functions building skills that make you more valuable every week.
• A clear path to grow our tier-based pay structure rewards skill development, cross-training, and consistency.
• A stable, team-oriented environment where your work directly impacts the products customers rely on.
• A culture that's always striving to improve we invest in the people who show up and do the work.
• Clear expectations, defined processes, and team leads/supervisors who are there to support your success.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing, assembly, or production environment is a plus but not required we will train the right person.
• Genuine desire to learn multiple production functions and contribute wherever the team needs you most.
• Ability to follow verbal and written work instructions; average oral and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills for production tracking, including counting, simple calculations, and verifying product quantities.
• Strong attention to detail particularly for quality inspection, label verification, and packaging accuracy.