Production Associate - Level II

Job Summary

The Assembly Line Operator / Manufacturing Technician is responsible for operating production equipment and supporting assembly line operations to manufacture high-quality products in accordance with established production, quality, safety, and productivity standards. This role performs machine operation, product assembly, equipment setup, process verification, quality inspections, and basic troubleshooting while ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures, engineering specifications, and continuous improvement practices in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Assembly Operations

• Operate manual and automated production equipment safely and efficiently to achieve production targets while meeting quality and cycle time requirements.
• Perform assembly line operations in accordance with standardized manufacturing processes, work instructions, engineering drawings, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Set up machines, perform changeovers, verify process parameters, and ensure production equipment is ready for operation.
• Perform tool offset setting, adjustment, and validation to maintain product quality and process stability.
• Load, unload, align, and validate fixtures to ensure proper product positioning during manufacturing.
• Monitor machine performance and production output to ensure products meet engineering specifications and customer quality requirements.
• Support production across different manufacturing lines or functions based on business requirements.

Quality & Process Control

• Follow all applicable quality procedures, including Statistical Process Control (SPC), poka-yoke, visual management, and standardized work instructions.
• Perform in-process and final quality inspections to identify defects and ensure product conformity.
• Identify, segregate, and report non-conforming materials while supporting corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor First Time Right (FTR/RFT) performance and implement actions to reduce defects, rework, and process losses.
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform routine operator care, cleaning, inspection, and preventive maintenance activities on production equipment.
• Participate in Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Process Maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability.
• Identify and troubleshoot basic mechanical or operational issues and coordinate with maintenance teams for timely resolution.
• Support Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement initiatives by minimizing downtime and improving machine utilization.

Health, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Comply with Cummins Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and actively promote a safe working environment.
• Maintain workplace cleanliness and organization through 5S practices and standard housekeeping activities.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Report safety hazards, quality concerns, equipment abnormalities, and production issues promptly.

Teamwork & Operational Excellence

• Work collaboratively with production teams, maintenance personnel, quality engineers, and support functions to achieve manufacturing goals.
• Communicate production status, issues, and improvement opportunities effectively with Team Leaders and Managers.
• Follow production schedules, shift timings, break schedules, and attendance requirements to support uninterrupted operations.
• Complete required training and actively participate in skill development initiatives.
• Perform additional duties assigned by Team Leaders or Managers to support business objectives.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• High School Diploma or equivalent may be considered where applicable.
• Additional certifications in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Quality Systems, or Manufacturing Operations are an advantage.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export control or regulatory requirements.

Skills

• Strong understanding of assembly line operations and high-volume manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience in machine operation, product assembly, and manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of machine setup, changeover activities, process parameter verification, and tool offset adjustments.
• Experience with fixture loading, unloading, alignment, and validation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, control plans, work instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), poka-yoke, quality inspection methods, and defect prevention techniques.
• Knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills and equipment maintenance knowledge.
• Strong awareness of safety procedures, PPE requirements, and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
• Ability to achieve production targets while maintaining quality and cycle time requirements.
• Good communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer literacy and manufacturing system knowledge are preferred.
• Flexibility to work in a rotating three-shift manufacturing environment.

Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in the automobile or manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience working on assembly lines in a high-volume production environment.
• Experience operating manual and automated production equipment.
• Hands-on experience with machine setup, process verification, fixture handling, and assembly operations.
• Experience supporting preventive maintenance, process improvement, and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, defect identification, and root cause analysis.
• Experience working with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience achieving production targets while maintaining quality, safety, and operational excellence.