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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Machine Assistant

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingProductionSkilled TradesIndustrial

🎯 Role Definition

The Machine Assistant is a foundational role within our production and manufacturing operations, acting as the primary support for skilled Machine Operators. This position is hands-on and essential for ensuring the seamless, efficient, and safe functioning of our industrial machinery. The individual in this role is a key contributor to meeting production targets, upholding stringent quality standards, and maintaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement on the plant floor. They are the backbone of the production line, handling the crucial tasks that allow senior operators to focus on complex machine functions and overall output.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer / Production Worker
  • Warehouse Associate
  • High School Graduate or Vocational School Leaver

Advancement To:

  • Machine Operator
  • Senior Machine Operator / Setup Technician
  • Production Team Lead / Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Materials Handler / Forklift Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist senior operators in the setup, calibration, and changeover of manufacturing equipment according to detailed work orders and production schedules.
  • Actively monitor machine operations during production runs to detect and immediately report malfunctions, deviations, or potential safety hazards.
  • Consistently load raw materials, components, or other supplies into machine hoppers, feeders, and magazines to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted production flow.
  • Perform routine quality control checks on in-process and finished products using basic measurement tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges, as well as visual inspection.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by adhering to 5S principles, clearing debris, and ensuring all tools and materials are stored properly.
  • Accurately package, label, and palletize finished goods for shipment or transfer to the warehouse, meticulously verifying product counts and information against orders.
  • Diligently complete and maintain accurate production logs, downtime reports, quality assurance documentation, and other required paperwork for operational traceability.
  • Support routine and preventative maintenance tasks, including cleaning, lubricating, and performing minor adjustments on machinery under the guidance of an operator or technician.
  • Efficiently manage the removal and proper disposal of scrap, waste materials, and by-products from the production line in accordance with environmental and safety guidelines.
  • Observe and interpret machine indicators, control panels, alarms, and gauges to assess operational status and identify the early signs of potential issues.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, including the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following all lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
  • Sort, stage, and inspect raw materials or components prior to feeding them into the machine to proactively prevent defects and potential equipment damage.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and hand trucks, to safely move materials, work-in-progress, and finished products within the facility.
  • Verify that all safety guards, light curtains, and emergency stops are in place and fully functional before starting and during machine operation.
  • Assist in troubleshooting minor operational problems and machine jams, following established procedures under the direct supervision of a senior team member.

Secondary Functions

  • Communicate effectively with machine operators, team leads, and maintenance personnel to ensure smooth shift handovers and collaborative problem resolution.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process enhancements for safety, quality, or efficiency.
  • Cross-train on different machines and in various production areas as required to provide flexible support to the team and enhance personal skill development.
  • Help maintain inventory of necessary supplies at the workstation, such as packaging materials, labels, and machine consumables, to prevent production downtime.
  • Provide general support to the production team as needed, including assisting with material movement, area cleanup, and other ad-hoc tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Understanding of how simple machinery and tools work.
  • Use of Hand and Power Tools: Competency in safely using basic tools for adjustments and minor maintenance.
  • Measurement & Inspection: Ability to use basic quality inspection tools like rulers, calipers, and gauges.
  • Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of and strict adherence to manufacturing safety standards, including LOTO.
  • Material Handling: Experience with manual or powered material handling equipment (e.g., pallet jacks).
  • Basic Computer Literacy: Ability to enter data into production tracking systems or HMI screens.
  • Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and interpret work orders, safety manuals, and basic instructions.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when performing tasks to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to performing duties to a high standard.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, taking direction and offering support.
  • Problem-Solving Aptitude: A proactive mindset to identify issues and assist in finding solutions.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to learn new tasks, cross-train, and adapt to changing production demands.
  • Verbal Communication: Clearly and respectfully communicates with team members and supervisors.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet production deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma from a vocational or technical school in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or general labor environment.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience working in a supportive role on a production line or with industrial machinery is highly desirable.
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