Operator I

Job Description

Job Description

Machine Operator-Jewelry Production Casting

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Manufacturing Machine Operator to join our production team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery to ensure efficient and safe production. You’ll play a key role in producing high-quality products that meet our company standards and customer expectations. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on individual with a strong mechanical aptitude, keen attention to detail, and commitment to quality and safety.

What You’ll Do:

• Casting: Quench hot flasks in water and clean off cast “trees”, hand clip components correctly, as well as use a machine to separate components from cast tree, de-bur cast items using a grinding wheel.

• Machine Operation: Set up and operate production machinery according to established procedures and specifications, ensuring optimal machine performance.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished products for quality, adhering to product standards, and report any deviations.
• Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on machines to prevent malfunctions. Identify and troubleshoot minor issues and report complex malfunctions.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols, including wearing PPE, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
• Documentation: Record daily production metrics, machine settings, and maintenance activities to maintain accurate records.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with supervisors, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to coordinate production goals.

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Technical training or Artisan background is a plus)
• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with machinery operation
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Familiarity with safety and quality control standards
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and instructions
• Physical stamina and dexterity to handle prolonged periods of standing and repetitive tasks

Skills and Competencies

• Technical Skills: Knowledge of machine operations, ability to perform basic troubleshooting, and understanding of quality control principles.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in machine adjustments and product inspection.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work on the production floor for extended periods, possibly with lifting and standing requirements.
• Safety Awareness: Understanding workplace safety and health regulations.

Working Environment/Schedule:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Moderate physical activity, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, lifting, reaching, and/or twisting for long periods of time depending on the work area.
• Exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary; successfully complete pulmonary respirator test to wear N95 mask (required for certain operations)
• Alternate between long-term and short-term assignments
• Communicate with your Team Leader to help address any issues or questions.

• Work between the hours of 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday and occasional overtime as needed.

• Rio Grande is a Metal-Free environment within our operations areas.

For more information about us please visit:

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.

The Reward:
Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes:

• Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays
• Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Flexible spending account
• Pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site gym and company wellness program
• Bereavement leave
• Employee discounts at Rio Grande
• Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment
• Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits

Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within.

The Company:
Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.