About the role
Job Title: Machine Operator Department: Production - Soft Trim Manufacturing (Automotive) Status: Non-exempt Reports To: Production Supervisor Location: Fraser, MI
Summary The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining automated equipment in a state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim and plastic injection molding facility. This plant is a new, small-scale, high-tech operation focused on producing automotive interior components. Operators ensure machines run efficiently, safely, and produce high-quality molded parts that meet customer and automotive standards.
What You’ll Do Essential Duties & Responsibilities: * Set up, operate, and monitor specialized machinery to meet production schedules and specifications. * Inspect production parts for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and conformance to automotive quality standards. * Record production data, quantities produced, scrap, and machine parameters accurately. * Perform routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime. * Assist with mold changes, machine setup, and tooling adjustments. * Wrap, protect, label, and package finished parts according to customer and shipping requirements. * Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols * Maintain a clean, organized workstation and support 5S and lean manufacturing initiatives. * Communicate production issues, quality concerns, and improvement opportunities to supervision. * Work independently with minimal supervision; demonstrate initiative to improve efficiency and quality. * Adheres consistently to attendance/punctuality, safety, and other company policies
What You’ll Bring Education & Experience requirements: * High school diploma or GED required. * 2+ years’ operating soft trim equipment and / or injection molding machines within automotive industry (or similar environment)
What We Value Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Experience with soft trim part finesse and manual edge-folding preferred. * Knowledge of plastic materials, molding parameters, and basic machine troubleshooting; ability to read work instructions and basic engineering drawings. * Ability to operate forklift * Self-starter; efficient; dependable; strong attention to detail; commitment to safety and quality. * An interest in developing within the company (learning new skills or growth opportunities) * Willingness to work required shifts, overtime, and adhere to company attendance policies.
Preferred * Experience with statistical process control (SPC), poka-yoke, or process documentation. * Certification or training in injection molding equipment, mechanical aptitude, or forklift operation. * Familiarity with automotive PPAP, APQP, or ISO IATF quality requirements.
Physical and Environmental Conditions * Molding presses, automated handling systems, robotic equipment, and inspection tools. The plant operates under automotive quality standards including IATF 16949 and ISO 9001. * Work performed in a manufacturing plant with exposure to noise, heat, and industrial chemicals; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required. * Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual handling of parts and materials (manual dexterity). * Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., perform repetitive motions, and work in a manufacturing environment.