Production Tech - Swing Shift

BENCHMADE•Oregon City, OR

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Technician performs direct labor in the Assembly department, following written and oral instructions to assemble small parts into functioning knives. Work may include laser engraving, serration, sharpening, cleaning and boxing, preparation, material handling, tumbling, assembly, and other department processes. Technicians fit and align components to ensure moving parts operate freely, inspect components for cosmetic quality, test finished knives for functionality, and perform minor troubleshooting. They are expected to meet production, quality, and performance metrics and promptly communicate issues to a lead or process technician. Technicians participate in continuous improvement activities and may support engineering with process development, troubleshooting, validation, and training other operators in mastered skills. The role offers a structured, five-level skill-based development path, from entry-level manual and basic equipment operations through senior-level specializations in sharpening, buffing, laser engraving, and serration. The position is performed on a production floor. Work may involve shifts of 8 to 10 hours, overtime, and temporary shift changes. Travel may be required as needed, less than 5% of the time. Standard personal protective equipment is required, including safety glasses and closed-toed shoes; some positions may require safety-toe and metatarsal protection. The manufacturing environment may include noise, coolants, abrasives, heat, adhesives, and automated and manual equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3–4 years of general manufacturing experience; equivalency to the qualification standard will also be considered.
Good manual dexterity and ability to handle and assemble small parts.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical assembly problems on all SKU types.
Ability to safely execute assembly processes for any knife SKU while meeting current production goals for quality and quantity.
Ability to work in a flow line and meet fast-paced production rates.
Good judgment when performing subjective inspections, including cosmetic criteria and knife functionality such as smooth opening, detent force, and blade stability.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions in English.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and sit and stand for long periods.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, coolants, abrasives, heat, adhesives, and automated and manual equipment.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and closed-toed shoes.

Nice To Haves

Basic computer skills.
Experience with MES Lite, collaborative assembly, material handling, tumbling, hydro press, laser engraving, serration, sharpening, buffing, or cleaning processes, depending on technician level.

Responsibilities

Assemble knives from components using small manual and semi-automatic hand tools and fixtures.
Visually inspect parts used in knife assembly to ensure they meet cosmetic requirements.
Perform minor troubleshooting while assembling components and use Andon signals to notify the lead of issues.
Complete required documentation.
Move throughout the department as needed and cross-train in assembly functions, which may include preparing subassemblies, laser marking and serration, sharpening, or cleaning and packaging sharpened knives.
Participate in continuous improvement teams and support a continuous improvement culture.
Meet daily production, cycle time, quality, and safety requirements.
Maintain proficiency at the level or higher specified for all categories in the position’s skills matrix.
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the work area.
Fit and align components, inspect assembled components, test knife functionality, and communicate production or quality issues promptly.
May support engineering in process development, troubleshooting, and validation, and train fellow operators in mastered skills.