Machine Operator

Nippon Light Metal Georgia, Inc. (NLMGA) is part of a comprehensive aluminum manufacturing organization with capabilities ranging from raw materials to fabricated aluminum products. NLMGA supports the manufacture of aluminum automotive components while creating new value for customers through safety, quality, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The Machine Operator I is responsible for safely operating assigned production equipment while learning NLMGA manufacturing processes, quality requirements, production standards, and work procedures. This is the developing level within the Machine Operator progression and is designed for employees who are building proficiency in assigned production processes.

Under regular direction, the Machine Operator I performs equipment operation, required inspections, production documentation, basic equipment adjustments, and routine troubleshooting within established work instructions. Employees in this position are expected to successfully complete assigned training and progressively demonstrate competency on production equipment and processes.

Core Company Expectations

All employees are expected to:

• SQPCM Objectives: Perform assigned duties while supporting the Company's objectives for Safety, Quality, Production, Cost, and Morale (SQPCM).
• Safety Commitment: Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety and take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment.
• Quality Commitment: Produce quality products and services that meet Company and customer expectations.
• Respect: Treat all employees, customers, vendors, and business partners with dignity, professionalism, and respect, regardless of position or circumstance.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Seek better ways of working by questioning existing practices, sharing ideas, solving problems, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Loyalty: Demonstrate commitment to the Company and one another through teamwork, dependability, open communication, and mutual support at all levels of the organization.
• Integrity: Act honestly, ethically, and responsibly; take ownership of actions and decisions; and do what is right even when no one is watching.
• 5S Workplace Standards: Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and efficient work environment by consistently applying the principles of 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.
• Attendance & Punctuality: Maintain regular and reliable attendance and report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Policies & Procedures: Follow Company policies, procedures, work instructions, and established standards.
• Confidentiality & Professional Conduct: Maintain confidentiality and contribute to a professional workplace free from gossip, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other inappropriate conduct.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include but are not limited to

Production Operations

• Set up and operate assigned production equipment in accordance with established work instructions, safety requirements, and production standards.
• Follow established production schedules and work assignments to meet production requirements.
• Monitor equipment operation and production output and promptly report abnormalities or deviations.
• Perform basic equipment adjustments and troubleshooting within established work instructions and level of training.
• Notify supervision or Maintenance when equipment problems require additional technical support.
• Successfully complete assigned training and demonstrate competency on designated production equipment and processes.
• Operate production equipment, measuring devices, and shop tools required for the assigned work area.

Quality & Documentation

• Perform required pre-operational, in-process, and end-of-shift inspections in accordance with established work instructions.
• Follow defined quality procedures and specifications to ensure products meet customer and Company requirements.
• Identify obvious product or process deviations and notify supervision or Quality as required.

• Stop production and notify supervision when quality concerns or unsafe conditions are identified.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, traceability, and quality records as required.
• Properly identify, handle, and segregate nonconforming material in accordance with established procedures.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow OSHA requirements, Company safety policies, PPE requirements, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and established work instructions.
• Report injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and quality concerns immediately.
• Use tools, equipment, and materials safely and only as trained and authorized.

Continuous Improvement & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, Maintenance, Quality, and team members regarding production, quality, equipment, and safety concerns.
• Identify process abnormalities and communicate opportunities for improvement.
• Support coworkers and contribute to a cooperative and productive team environment.
• Participate in cross-training activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions, work instructions, and established manufacturing procedures.
• Strong commitment to quality, consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established standards.
• Ability to learn production equipment, manufacturing processes, and quality requirements.
• Ability to prioritize assigned work and maintain dependable follow-through.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Ability to work independently on trained assignments while following established procedures.
• Ability to perform repetitive work while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and productivity.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Ability to read and accurately complete production documentation.
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and participate in cross-training.
• Basic understanding of 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement principles.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and use hands to manipulate, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls.
• The employee is required to reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• The employee must be able to speak and hear and must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Must be able to work in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment, including exposure to heat and cold.

• Ability to work rotating schedules, overtime, weekends, or holidays as production demands require.
• Must be able to wear all required PPE.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Work Experience: Listed below are the minimum and/or desired qualifications of the position including education, work experience and knowledge & skills that are required to perform satisfactorily in the position:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or production experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and complete required production documentation.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Ability to successfully complete required NLMGA equipment and process training.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification after hire if required for the assigned work area.

Machine Operator Level I Performance Standard

Employees classified as Machine Operator I are expected to develop proficiency on assigned production equipment and demonstrate consistent compliance with safety, quality, production, and documentation requirements. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency, successful completion of required training and qualifications, and the ability to perform expanded responsibilities rather than length of service alone.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance through United Healthcare from start date
• Company paid short- and long- term disability
• Company paid Life and AD&D insurance for the employee
• Optional Life and AD&D insurance up to family coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Medical and Child Care
• 401(k) with company match
• 1 week paid -Plant Shut Down @ 4th of July
• 1 week paid - Plant Shut down @ Christmas
• 40 Hours PTO
• Additional Paid Holidays
• Pet Insurance
• Virtual Pet Insurance
• ID Theft Coverage
• Travel Discounts Program

Nippon Light Metal Georgia, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer