The Production Associate is a core member of the manufacturing floor team, responsible for operating machinery, assembling components, and maintaining quality standards throughout their shift. This role is critical to on-time production output and requires individuals who can perform consistently under pace, follow standard operating procedures without supervision, and adapt quickly when conditions change. The Production Associate interacts directly with supervisors, quality inspectors, and teammates — making composure, communication, and coachability as important as technical aptitude.

Production Associates make up the largest segment of our member company workforces. This role carries the highest turnover rate of any employee category — over 31% annually — and 65% of separations happen in the first year of employment. A strong hire here drives output, reduces overtime, improves quality, and stabilizes the entire shift. A poor fit costs 200% of annual salary in replacement, retraining, and lost production time.

•      Operate production machinery, assembly equipment, or CNC machines safely and according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)

•      Meet individual and team production targets for output, quality, and efficiency across each shift

•      Perform quality checks on finished components and flag non-conforming product to the Quality team immediately

•      Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and OSHA standards

•      Complete required documentation accurately — production logs, inspection records, and shift reports

•      Communicate clearly and proactively with supervisors regarding production issues, equipment concerns, or safety hazards

•      Support cross-training across multiple stations to ensure operational flexibility during staffing changes

•      Participate in team huddles, safety briefings, and continuous improvement (Lean/Kaizen) initiatives

•      Follow all company safety protocols, wear required PPE, and report incidents immediately

•      High school diploma or GED equivalent

•      Ability to stand for full shift duration (8–12 hours) and lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly

•      Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to read and follow written work instructions

•      Demonstrated reliability: consistent attendance and punctuality in prior roles

•      Ability to work assigned shift including overtime when required (weekdays and weekends)

•      6+ months of manufacturing, production, warehouse, or trades experience

•      Familiarity with safety programs, 5S methodology, or lean manufacturing principles

•      Experience operating machinery, forklifts, hand tools, or precision measurement equipment

•      Prior exposure to ISO, GMP, or quality management systems

Technical skills can be taught in days. The following traits predict whether a Production Associate will succeed, grow, and stay — and they cannot be found on a resume:

•      Composure under pace and pressure — stays focused and precise during high-output periods without becoming reactive

•      Coachability — receives correction from supervisors without defensiveness and applies feedback immediately

•      Initiative — identifies problems before they escalate and communicates them rather than working around them

•      Team reliability — shows up consistently, transitions between tasks without friction, and covers for teammates when needed

•      Communication clarity — speaks up clearly when something is wrong with equipment, quality, or safety

•      Extended standing, walking, and repetitive motion throughout entire shift

•      Frequent lifting, carrying, and positioning of materials up to 50 lbs; occasional up to 75 lbs with assistance

•      Working in environments that may be hot, cold, loud, or involve exposure to oils, chemicals, or metal particulate

•      Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE): safety glasses, ear protection, steel-toed boots, gloves

•      Hourly pay range: $18.00 – $24.00 per hour depending on experience and shift

•      Shift differential premium for 2nd and 3rd shift assignments

•      Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective within 30 days of hire

•      401(k) with company match

•      Paid time off accrual starting day one; holiday pay

•      Opportunities for advancement to Lead, Trainer, or Supervisor roles based on performance

•      On-the-job skills training and cross-training program

This position is recruited by MRA — The Management Association on behalf of an MRA Member Company. You will know exactly which company you are applying to before any interview takes place. MRA does not make hiring decisions — you will be hired directly by the member company.

To apply, complete the mobile-friendly application at membercareers.mranet.org. The process takes under two minutes. No password or account creation required. Qualified candidates will receive outreach within one business day.