Torchora
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Kitting Specialist

💰 $35,000 - $52,000 annually

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouseManufacturingAssembly

🎯 Role Definition

As a Kitting Specialist, you are the backbone of our operational efficiency, ensuring that all necessary components are accurately gathered, packaged, and prepared for the next stage of production or fulfillment. This role is critical for minimizing downtime on our assembly lines and guaranteeing our customers receive complete and correct orders. You will be instrumental in maintaining inventory integrity and upholding our commitment to quality. Success in this position requires a meticulous eye for detail, a strong sense of urgency, and the ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced logistics environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Picker / Packer
  • Inventory Clerk
  • Assembly Line Worker

Advancement To:

  • Kitting Team Lead / Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Production Planner
  • Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Material Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick, count, and gather various components from warehouse inventory locations based on complex Bill of Materials (BOMs) or customer-specific work orders.
  • Assemble and package individual parts into complete kits, ensuring all required items are included, correctly oriented, and protected for transit or production use.
  • Perform rigorous quality control checks on all components and finished kits to verify part numbers, quantities, and quality, ensuring 100% accuracy before release.
  • Operate RF (Radio Frequency) scanners and other handheld devices to accurately record inventory transactions, track part movements, and update the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in real-time.
  • Follow detailed work instructions, diagrams, and assembly guidelines to meet precise kitting specifications and production schedules.
  • Manage and organize a dedicated kitting station, ensuring all tools, supplies, and components are readily accessible to maximize efficiency.
  • Generate, print, and apply appropriate labels, barcodes, and identification tags to kits for proper routing, tracking, and inventory management.
  • Systematically document completed work, report any discrepancies in inventory or BOMs to a supervisor, and record scrap or damaged parts according to procedure.
  • Safely operate material handling equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and potentially forklifts, to transport materials to and from the kitting area.
  • Coordinate with inventory control and purchasing teams to report low stock levels and prevent component shortages that could impact the kitting schedule.
  • Prepare and stage completed kits for pickup by the production team or for packaging by the shipping department, ensuring a seamless handoff.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety, quality, and operational policies, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) handling procedures where applicable.
  • Meet or exceed established productivity and quality standards, consistently striving for accuracy and efficiency in all kitting tasks.
  • Interpret and act on priority lists and production schedules to ensure the most critical kits are completed first to support operational demands.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment by adhering to 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
  • Assist in conducting regular cycle counts and physical inventory audits to ensure data integrity within the inventory management system.
  • Provide constructive feedback to supervisors and engineering teams on potential improvements to the kitting process, work instructions, or workplace layout.
  • Collaborate with adjacent departments, including Receiving, Production, and Shipping, to resolve issues and facilitate a smooth flow of materials.
  • Cross-train in other warehouse functions, such as picking, packing, or receiving, to provide support during peak periods or staff shortages.
  • Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety huddles, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support the training and onboarding of new team members by demonstrating proper kitting procedures and sharing best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Inventory Management Software: Proficiency with WMS (Warehouse Management System) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • RF Scanner Operation: Experience using handheld RF scanners for picking, cycle counting, and inventory transactions.
    -Bill of Materials (BOM) Interpretation: Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow complex parts lists and assembly diagrams.
  • Basic Mathematics: Strong arithmetic skills for accurate counting, verification, and inventory reconciliation.
  • Computer Literacy: Foundational skills in using computers for data entry, printing labels, and communicating via email (e.g., MS Office Suite).
  • Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Experience or certification in operating pallet jacks, hand trucks, and/or forklifts is a strong plus.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional ability to focus on the smallest details to ensure kit accuracy and quality, preventing errors downstream.
  • Organizational Skills: A systematic and organized approach to managing tasks, inventory, and a dedicated workspace.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work with a sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying discrepancies, troubleshooting issues, and escalating problems when necessary.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively with colleagues in various departments.
  • Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for reporting issues and collaborating with team members.
  • Dependability & Reliability: A strong work ethic with a commitment to punctuality and consistently meeting performance expectations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or technical certification in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution environment.

Preferred:

  • Prior, direct experience in a kitting, assembly, or order fulfillment role is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience working with an electronic inventory management system (WMS/ERP).
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and 5S methodologies.
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