Production Operator - 1st Shift

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing's mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge's success!

Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want:

The Production Operator is responsible for loading component parts into automated assembly while adhering to quality and efficiency standards.

What You'll Do:

• Utilize PLEX to load inventory to the cell, load components, record production, pack per instruction, make labels and document issues with parts or machinery.
• Escalate down machinery, and poor-quality parts to Team Leaders and/or Supervisors.
• Ensure that all products comply with check sheets and work instructions.
• Document inspection results, and non-conformances.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Support internal and external audits as needed.
• Continuously identify opportunities for quality and process improvements.
• Cross train on various work centers as required
• All other duties as assigned

When and Where:

This will be a 1st Shift / 6 AM - 2:30 PM, M-F position located at our plant in Kansas City, MO .

Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.

What You Need to Have:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 6 months of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to detect defects.
• Ability to read and interpret operator instructions, inspection check sheets, and quality alerts.
• Basic computer skills for data entry.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• May require lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required
• English Proficiency
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications.