Advanced Machine Operator

Advanced Machine Operator

Hansen & Company Woodworks · St. Joseph, MN · Full-Time

The Opportunity

This role exists to keep HCo's automated production lines running at rate and at quality. As an Advanced Machine Operator, you run the machines that handle the last step before assembly, and you are trained across all four of our lines: Matrix, Bypass, Flexline, and the Vector. It is built for someone who wants to master the machines, not just feed them — a person who needs to understand why a machine does what it does and is motivated by keeping it running clean. You will serve as an advanced operator and a redundant operator, protecting uptime and quality as the lines scale. This is an execution role: you own direct output (parts produced to spec, at rate, ready for the next team) and you enable others (coaching, documentation, clean handoffs).

HCo is a custom cabinet and architectural millwork manufacturer building the future of American manufacturing — our standard is simple: More than they Expect. This is a real seat at that table.

What You'll Do

• You own running the Matrix, Bypass, Flexline, and Vector lines safely, at rate, and to the HCo quality standard.
• You QC every part the four lines produce, catching defects before anything moves downstream.
• You troubleshoot machine faults, material jams, and tooling issues, and you escalate with clear information when a fix is beyond the operator level.
• You own daily and preventive maintenance on all four lines so they are production-ready.
• You keep the lines running so downstream teams are never waiting on parts.
• You use Innergy for time punching, job costing, and production tracking without supervisor guidance.
• You cross-train and coach other operators across all four lines, and you document issues, fixes, and improvements so the next shift benefits.

What You Bring

• Hands-on experience operating CNC, automated, or other production machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort troubleshooting equipment.
• Ability to read cut lists, mechanical prints, and work orders.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Willingness to learn new machines and cross-train across lines.
• Clear communication and a team-first attitude.

Essential Functions — Physical & On-Site Requirements

This is a hands-on floor role. The following are fundamental to performing the job — not general fitness standards. If you have questions about your ability to meet any of these, reach out; we're glad to talk it through.

• Climb on, around, and inside machine frames, conveyors, and robotic cells to install and align equipment. 
• Work in tight or confined spaces, including bending, kneeling, and crouching, to reach wiring and mechanical connections. 
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted during installation of motors, drives, and panel hardware. 
• Stand and move continuously across the production floor for full shift durations. 
• Perform fine-motor tasks such as wiring and terminating connections, requiring hand dexterity and close-focus vision. 
• Work safely around energized panels, pneumatic lines, and moving machinery, following lockout/tagout protocols. 
• Be physically present on-site during installation and commissioning windows — this work cannot be performed remotely. 

Nice to Have

• Woodworking, cabinet, or panel-processing manufacturing experience.
• Electrical, controls, or PLC fundamentals; comfort reading wiring diagrams and pneumatic schematics.
• Cabinet Vision, INNERGY, or B-Process.

Why HCo

We live by our DRIVE values — we push to get better, make each other's work easier, own our outcomes, move with urgency, and stay humble. You'll get hands-on work, real ownership, room to grow, and a team that holds a high standard and has each other's backs.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $60,000 - $68,000 based on experience, plus a full benefits package — medical, dental, retirement (401k), and paid time off. Real advancement opportunity as HCo grows.

How to Apply

Ready to build something? Apply through the platform where you found this posting, or at our careers page. We review every application.

Hansen & Company Woodworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.