3rd Shift-Production Technician

JTEKT North America•Vonore, TN

About The Position

The Production Technician operates and monitors machining and automated manufacturing equipment to produce high-quality parts that meet safety, quality, and production standards. The role includes loading components, operating multiple production processes, performing quality inspections, troubleshooting equipment issues, and supporting continuous improvement while rotating through various manufacturing operations. This position is identified as 3rd shift. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The work takes place in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and requires extended standing, frequent walking, repetitive tasks and movements, and regular lifting. The schedule is at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with overtime and weekend work as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED certificate.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to safely use hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
Ability to read, understand, and apply information from work instructions, charts, graphs, blueprints, and visual aids.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify quality defects.
Ability to maintain focus while performing repetitive tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team.
Basic understanding of quality, environmental, health, and safety management systems.
Successful completion of required orientation and basic skills training within the first month of employment.
Excellent manual dexterity and fine motor skills; ability to use both hands simultaneously while operating tools and equipment.
Ability to walk approximately 6–7 miles during an 8–10-hour shift and stand for extended periods.
Ability to maintain concentration and a consistent pace while operating production equipment.
Ability to perform repetitive assembly, handling, twisting, pressing, and turning motions approximately 600–750 times per shift.
Ability to reach, grasp, pinch, bend, squat, stretch, push, pull, and lift throughout the shift.
Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, labels, and work instructions.
Ability to regularly lift up to 32 pounds.
Ability to work at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with overtime and weekend work as required.

Nice To Haves

Previous manufacturing or production experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Load components into production machinery and automated equipment.
Operate manufacturing equipment and processes, including washing, welding, boring, mounting, pressing, drilling, installation, and detection.
Control machine operations using control panels, switches, and automated systems.
Use the Andon call system to report equipment malfunctions, quality concerns, or production abnormalities.
Monitor machine performance to ensure products meet specifications and production requirements.
Visually inspect parts for defects such as porosity, surface imperfections, cosmetic flaws, or damage.
Read and interpret work instructions, process charts, graphs, blueprints, measuring instruments, and poka-yoke devices.
Rotate among multiple production lines and machining processes as assigned.
Replenish production materials and maintain adequate inventory at workstations.
Perform 5S housekeeping, including sweeping, mopping, cleaning equipment, taping floors, and keeping work areas organized.
Participate in Kaizen events, Quality Circles, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
Work overtime, weekends, and additional shifts as required to meet production demands.
Perform other duties and special assignments as directed by management.