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Job Specification | Production Specialist

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

OperationsManufacturingProductionSupply ChainQuality Control

🎯 Role Definition

A Production Specialist is a hands-on professional who serves as the engine of the manufacturing or production floor. This individual is directly responsible for transforming raw materials into finished goods by operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring every item meets strict quality and efficiency standards. More than just an operator, the Production Specialist is a proactive problem-solver and a guardian of process integrity. They play a critical role in maintaining a safe, organized, and productive environment, making them an indispensable asset to any organization focused on operational excellence and high-quality output.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate or Operator
  • Assembly Line Worker
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

  • Senior Production Specialist
  • Production Team Lead or Cell Leader
  • Production Supervisor
  • Process Technician or Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Logistics or Materials Coordinator
  • Process Improvement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Expertly operate, monitor, and maintain a variety of complex production machinery and equipment according to standard operating procedures to meet daily and weekly production targets.
  • Execute precise setup, calibration, and changeovers of manufacturing equipment for different product runs, focusing on minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
  • Conduct rigorous in-process quality control checks and final inspections on raw materials, components, and finished goods to guarantee they conform to all quality specifications and design standards.
  • Meticulously document all critical production data, including output volume, cycle times, scrap rates, and quality inspection results, using both manual logs and digital ERP/MRP systems.
  • Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve minor to moderate operational issues and equipment malfunctions, escalating complex problems to maintenance or engineering teams with clear communication.
  • Diligently follow detailed work instructions, technical blueprints, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to assemble, process, or fabricate products with exceptional accuracy and consistency.
  • Manage the continuous flow of materials to and from the production line, ensuring that individual workstations are properly stocked with necessary components to prevent line stoppages.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as Kaizen events, 5S programs, and root cause analysis sessions, to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve workplace safety.
  • Strictly adhere to all company safety policies and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to foster and maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and support departments like Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Logistics to coordinate production schedules and swiftly resolve any cross-functional challenges.
  • Perform scheduled preventative maintenance tasks on production equipment, such as cleaning, lubricating, and making minor adjustments, to prolong equipment life and prevent unplanned breakdowns.
  • Prepare and package finished products for storage or shipment, ensuring proper labeling, scanning, and palletizing in accordance with internal standards and customer requirements.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work area by consistently implementing and sustaining 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
  • Assist in the training and mentoring of new or less-experienced team members on operational procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards to build team competency and flexibility.
  • Utilize inventory management systems to accurately track raw material consumption, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods, assisting with physical inventory counts and reconciliation.
  • Analyze real-time production metrics and performance data to identify emerging trends, pinpoint process inefficiencies, and recommend actionable improvements to team leadership.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or cranes, safely and efficiently to move materials and products throughout the facility (certification may be required).
  • Generate and complete all required production-related paperwork and digital records with a high degree of accuracy and unwavering attention to detail.
  • Isolate, quarantine, and meticulously document any non-conforming products or materials according to quality control procedures to prevent them from entering the supply chain.
  • Support the introduction of new products or processes by participating in pilot runs, providing valuable operational feedback to engineering, and helping to refine new work instructions.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new production associates, providing guidance and support.
  • Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at boosting efficiency.
  • Support inventory management efforts by performing regular cycle counts and material audits in the work area.
  • Contribute to the development, review, and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the production floor.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation & Troubleshooting
  • Quality Control (QC) & Inspection Techniques
  • Reading and Interpreting Blueprints & Technical Schematics
  • Lean Manufacturing Principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen)
  • ERP / MRP Software Proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Adherence
  • Safety Compliance & OSHA Regulations
  • Inventory Management & Control Systems
  • Process Documentation & Accurate Record-Keeping
  • Material Handling Equipment Operation (e.g., Forklift)

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail
  • Systematic Problem-Solving
  • Clear and Effective Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Strong Time Management and Prioritization
  • Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment
  • High Degree of Self-Motivation and a Strong Work Ethic
  • Technical Aptitude and Mechanical Inclination

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or technical certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Technology or Engineering
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing, assembly, or production environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience within a specific industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, electronics) is highly valued.
  • Familiarity with regulated environments, such as cGMP or ISO 9001, is a significant advantage.
  • Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, forklift operation, or specific machine technologies are desirable.
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