Lead, Machine Operator

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we're passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Base Compensation Range: $24.16/ hour - $30.17/ hour

This position is eligible for an annual 10% bonus opportunity in addition to the base salary

Outstanding Benefits and Perks:
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D

• 3 weeks of accrued vacation time; accruals begin on Day 1

• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year
• Overtime opportunities

This position supports Mesa's SDC business. Our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological and chemical indicators that assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dental industries.

Job Summary

The Group Lead in the Assembly Pod area is responsible for directing daily assembly operations, scheduling work, and serving as a subject matter expert for assembly processes. This role emphasizes training team members, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Group Lead provides technical guidance, organizes workflows, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to maintain efficiency and product integrity.

Duties/Responsibilities

Work Direction & Scheduling

• Organize and prioritize assembly tasks to meet production goals and timelines.
• Develop and maintain work schedules for the assembly pod, ensuring balanced workloads and timely completion.
• Provide clear instructions and technical guidance to team members during assembly activities.

Training & Development

• Train new and existing team members on assembly procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate training documentation and ensure competency across all assigned tasks.

Quality Assurance

• Monitor assembly processes and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Document and implement corrective actions for quality deviations in collaboration with quality assurance teams.

Process Expertise & Improvement

• Act as the primary technical resource for assembly processes and equipment.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Support continuous improvement projects using Lean principles and best practices.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate production records, assembly instructions, and quality control documentation.
• Prepare reports on production metrics, scheduling adherence, and improvement initiatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all safety protocols.
• Participate in safety audits and implement preventive measures to reduce risk.

Collaboration

• Work closely with quality assurance, maintenance, and production management to resolve issues and optimize operations.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams focused on process improvement.

Experience/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 -6 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with significant experience operating and maintaining complex machinery.

Knowledge & Skillsets Required:

• Expert mechanical and technical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting technical documents, including blueprints and schematics.
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and a commitment to quality.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Physical Demands:

• Standing or walking: Frequently during production processes and equipment operation.
• Lifting: Handling and moving materials or products, sometimes heavy.
• Manual dexterity: Using tools and operating machinery with precision.
• Bending and crouching: Accessing machinery or performing tasks in confined spaces.
• Repetitive motions: Repeatedly performing assembly or production tasks.

Environmental Conditions:

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Artificial lighting
• Noise Levels: Light to moderate
• Ergonomics:
• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building.
• Safety: Must use protective gear (gloves, lab coats, goggles) and adherence to safety standards.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.