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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Houseware Operator

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingProductionOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Houseware Operator is a cornerstone of our production team, responsible for the hands-on creation of high-quality household products that our customers use and trust every day. This role involves the skilled operation of various manufacturing machinery, a keen eye for quality assurance, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient production environment. You are not just running a machine; you are an artisan of modern manufacturing, ensuring every piece, from kitchen gadgets to storage solutions, meets our exacting standards of excellence and functionality. This position is perfect for a detail-oriented individual who takes pride in their work and enjoys being part of a collaborative team dedicated to tangible results.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer
  • Warehouse Associate
  • Assembly Line Worker
  • Recent technical school graduate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Operator / Team Lead
  • Production Supervisor
  • Quality Control Inspector / Technician
  • Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Packaging Operator
  • Materials Handler
  • Assembly Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and diligently monitor various types of production machinery, such as injection molding, blow molding, or automated assembly equipment, to produce houseware components and finished goods.
  • Execute machine setups for production runs, including installing molds or tooling, loading raw materials like plastic resins, and precisely adjusting settings per detailed work orders.
  • Conduct frequent in-process quality inspections on parts and products, using visual checks and measurement tools to ensure they meet strict dimensional, functional, and cosmetic standards.
  • Proactively identify and troubleshoot minor operational issues with machinery, making necessary adjustments to temperature, pressure, or cycle times to maintain product quality and minimize downtime.
  • Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on equipment, ensuring machines are in optimal condition for safe and efficient operation.
  • Read and interpret complex work orders, blueprints, and production schedules to understand job specifications, material requirements, and output targets.
  • Meticulously document production data, including cycle counts, scrap rates, downtime, and quality checks, in our manufacturing execution system (MES) or on manual log sheets.
  • Handle raw materials and finished goods safely, which includes moving pallets with a pallet jack, filling machine hoppers, and preparing products for the next stage of production.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and quality control personnel to resolve production challenges and contribute to a smooth workflow.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintaining a hazard-free workspace.
  • Trim, deflash, or finish parts as they come off the line using hand tools, deburring tools, or specialized fixtures to ensure they are ready for assembly or packaging.
  • Assemble multi-component houseware products according to specific instructions, ensuring all parts fit correctly and function as intended.
  • Monitor the supply of raw materials and components at your workstation, communicating with Material Handlers to prevent shortages that could interrupt production.
  • Pack finished products into designated cartons, apply labels accurately, and stack boxes onto pallets according to established patterns for shipping.
  • Participate actively in shift change meetings, providing clear and concise information about the status of production, equipment, and any quality concerns to the incoming operator.
  • Isolate and properly tag non-conforming products or materials, and report defects to the Shift Supervisor or Quality Department for further analysis.
  • Strive to meet or exceed established production goals and efficiency targets without compromising safety or quality standards.
  • Assist in training new operators on machine operation, safety procedures, and quality expectations to foster a knowledgeable and capable team.
  • Maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization in the work area by following 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
  • Perform part and lot changes on equipment, which includes purging materials, cleaning molds, and verifying the first piece of the new run meets all quality specifications.

Secondary Functions

  • Support maintenance technicians with more involved preventative maintenance tasks and equipment repairs as needed.
  • Contribute ideas and participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
  • Assist in periodic inventory counts of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
  • Provide constructive feedback on work instructions and procedures to help improve clarity and accuracy for all team members.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation (e.g., Injection Molding, Blow Molding, CNC)
  • Quality Control Inspection & Measurement Tools (Calipers, Gauges)
  • Blueprint and Work Order Interpretation
  • Basic Machine Troubleshooting and Adjustment
  • Use of Hand and Power Tools
  • Safety Compliance & LOTO Procedures
  • Production Data Entry & Documentation
  • Material Handling (including Pallet Jack Operation)
  • Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Basic Mechanical Aptitude

Soft Skills

  • Strong Attention to Detail
  • Problem-Solving Mindset
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Reliability and Strong Work Ethic
  • Adaptability to Changing Priorities
  • Clear and Effective Communication
  • Time Management and Organization
  • Ability to Follow Detailed Instructions
  • Safety Consciousness

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

  • A vocational or technical certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related discipline is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred:

  • We highly value candidates with direct experience operating plastic injection molding or similar machinery within the consumer goods or housewares industry.
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