Production Associate

Production Associate

This role supports the design and manufacture of advanced compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage systems and tanks for trucks and large commercial vehicles. As a Production Associate on 1st Shift, you work across multiple production stations to assemble, label, and prepare high-quality fuel storage products that meet strict safety and performance standards. You use mechanical aptitude, assembly tools, and production equipment to support processes such as filament winding, rotomolding, and trailer assembly while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient work area.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual instruction sheets with accuracy.
• Use assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment to perform mechanical assembly tasks safely and efficiently.
• Support filament winding operations, including resin application, resin squeezing, tool cleaning, tool maintenance, and setting up floor mats.
• Assist with rotomolding processes by preparing materials, operating injection mold machines, and performing boss recovery tasks.
• Perform tank labeling and foam dome installation with precision, ensuring correct identification and configuration of products.
• Assemble and package fuel storage systems and related components to meet or exceed quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Lift and move raw materials, finished products, and packed items as needed throughout the production area.
• Load and provide raw materials such as resin and paxon to appropriate machines and workstations.
• Clean and lubricate equipment regularly to support proper operation and minimize downtime.
• Dispose of scrap resin, fiber, cardboard, and other production waste in accordance with facility procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards, keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Rotate through different production stations, including rotomold operator, filament winding, trailer assembly, tube bending, and testing stations.
• Operate winding machines to wrap tanks with resin and protective layers, performing troubleshooting and working with carbon fiber after training.
• Work as a trailer assembler to prepare tanks for installation in trucks, including performing pressure tests and verifying system readiness.
• Install and bend metal tubing around tanks, ensuring proper routing and configuration of safety and support equipment.
• Perform measurements and quality checks at adapter, volumetric, end-of-line (EOL) domes and labels stations, including pressurization checks and water tank tests.
• Monitor tank pressurization and inspect for leaks by checking for bubbles and other indicators during testing.
• Follow safety procedures when working with pressures, composite materials, and production machinery.
• Collaborate with team members and leads to meet production targets, support overtime needs, and maintain consistent output.
• Work mandatory overtime as required, including extended days and occasional Saturdays, to support production demands.

Essential Skills

• Prefer at least 1.5+ years of machine operating or production/manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to work with mechanical assemblies and production equipment.
• Experience and proficiency with hand tools and power tools, with the ability to name and describe common tools found in a toolbox.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual instruction sheets.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Comfort working with assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to work 1st Shift Monday to Friday (generally 6:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.) with early start times (such as 5:00 a.m.) to support overtime.
• Willingness to work mandatory overtime, which may include 12-hour days and Saturdays as needed.
• Ability to maintain housekeeping and 5S standards, including cleaning, organizing, and maintaining work areas.
• Readiness to work across multiple stations and adapt to different tasks within the production process.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with visual instruction sheets, blueprints, or routers is a plus but not mandatory.
• Experience working with resin, epoxy, composite materials, kevlar, prepreg, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or similar materials is an advantage.
• Experience in general production, assembly, construction, or related mechanical work is beneficial.
• Familiarity with torque wrenches and proper torque application is a plus.
• Experience working with machine operating tasks such as filament winding, rotomolding, or injection molding is helpful.
• Understanding of basic pressure testing or working with pressurized systems is an asset but not required.
• Comfort working around multiple machines and production lines in a large manufacturing facility.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off and vacation, as well as a 401(k) plan to support long-term financial security. The organization offers a clean, comfortable manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are valued. Team members have the opportunity to develop hands-on skills with advanced production equipment and composite materials while contributing to innovative fuel storage solutions.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a very clean, large manufacturing facility with multiple machines running, designed to be comfortable and not overly industrial. The environment includes injection mold machines, winding machines, tube bending equipment, and other specialized production tools used to manufacture CNG fuel storage tanks. The role is on 1st Shift, typically Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with frequent early starts around 5:00 a.m. to support overtime. Mandatory overtime may result in 12-hour days and occasional Saturday work. Team members rotate through various stations such as rotomolding, filament winding, trailer assembly, tube bending, and testing areas, and are expected to maintain a high level of housekeeping and 5S standards. Steel-toed boots are required for safety in the production area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.