Assembly Tech

Production Operations Technician

As a Production Operations Technician, you coordinate parts, assembly, testing, painting, packaging, and shipping of products within a high-volume manufacturing environment. You perform a variety of manufacturing tasks, including assembling components, operating manual and automatic equipment, setting up machines, testing units, and dismantling unit assemblies and complex subassemblies according to detailed work process instructions. You rotate through all stations within each assembly cell, performing repetitive tasks at a consistent pace to meet customer demand, while applying your working knowledge to repair final unit assemblies and complex subassemblies using power and hand tools.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate parts, assembly, testing, painting, packaging, and shipping activities to ensure products move efficiently through the production process.
• Perform a wide range of manufacturing tasks, including assembling components, operating manual and automatic equipment, and setting up machines according to work instructions.
• Follow detailed work process instructions to build, test, and dismantle unit assemblies and complex subassemblies at designated workstations.
• Rotate among all stations within each assembly cell, performing repetitive work at a consistent pace to meet production schedules and customer demand.
• Use power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, drills, and torque guns, as well as hand tools, to assemble and repair products safely and accurately.
• Inspect assembled units and subassemblies for quality, ensuring components meet specifications and performance standards.
• Identify issues in final unit assemblies and complex subassemblies and perform repairs using established procedures and tools.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following safety guidelines and proper handling procedures for tools, equipment, and materials.
• Collaborate with team members across multiple assembly lines to support continuous workflow and production targets.
• Document work as required, including reading and following written instructions and process documentation.

Essential Skills:

• At least 6 months of prior production experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 6 months of experience in an assembly-based position.
• Ability to read, write, and understand work instructions and production documentation.
• Proficiency in using hand tools for assembly and repair tasks.
• Experience working with power tools, including pneumatic tools, drills, and torque guns.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks at a consistent pace while maintaining attention to detail.
• Capability to rotate among multiple workstations and adapt to different tasks within an assembly cell.
• Basic understanding of quality inspection practices in a production or assembly setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Some experience in production, assembly, or technician roles within manufacturing.
• Experience in automotive or similar industrial production environments.
• Familiarity with quality inspection processes for assembled products.
• Comfort working with hydraulic components and lubrication oils.
• Ability to follow detailed work process instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to work effectively across multiple assembly lines.

Why Work Here?

You join a large, established manufacturing operation where you work with a diverse team of production professionals across multiple assembly lines. The environment offers consistent, structured shifts that support predictable scheduling and work-life balance. You gain hands-on experience with a variety of equipment and tools, build valuable manufacturing skills, and contribute directly to the creation of complex, high-quality products. The organization emphasizes safety, clear processes, and collaboration, providing a stable setting for long-term growth in production and assembly work.

Work Environment:

You work in a large manufacturing facility with approximately 270–290 production employees operating across 13–14 different assembly lines. The plant focuses largely on hydraulic components and uses oil for lubrication, so many products and work surfaces may have oil on them. Available shifts include 1st Shift from 6:00 to 2:00, 2nd Shift from 2:00 to 10:00, and 3rd Shift from 10:00 to 6:00, offering structured hours in a high-volume production setting. The dress code requires steel-toed boots, jeans, and a t-shirt, along with gloves for handling oily components, reflecting a hands-on, industrial work environment with a strong emphasis on safety and proper protective attire.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of AMES, IA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.70/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 AMES, IA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.