Machine Operator Level 1

Reporting Relationships

Job title: Machine Operator Level 1

Reports into: Production Supervisor

Functional department: Production

Description

The Machine Operator Level 1 safely performs approved set-up, loading, cycling, monitoring, inspection, finishing, material-handling and housekeeping activities on assigned Level 1 production equipment. Work is completed to approved instructions, specifications, quality standards and production requirements, with support or escalation to a supervisor or qualified operator when conditions fall outside established parameters.

Key Responsibilities and Accountability

Safe Machine Operation and Set-Up

• Prepare, set up and operate assigned machinery and tools in accordance with training, approved work instructions and safety requirements.
• Load, align, feed and unload materials, parts, moulds, tooling or supplies using approved manual or powered methods.
• Complete authorized set-ups or changeovers, including permitted basic adjustments, within Level 1 training and qualification.
• Monitor equipment for proper operation, including jams, defective units, abnormal conditions and other irregularities; stop and escalate when the issue exceeds training or authority.

Quality and Production

• Inspect materials, first-off and last-off pieces, and finished products for defects and conformance to approved samples, shapes, dimensions, specifications and company quality standards, visually and using authorized measuring instruments.
• Monitor product and material quality throughout the run and make permitted adjustments to maintain established standards.
• Remove burrs, tags, dust, dirt and minor surface irregularities through approved buffing, sanding, cleaning or compressed-air methods.
• Maintain expected production output while protecting safety, quality and product integrity.
• Complete required production, inspection and work records accurately.

Basic Equipment Care and Issue Response

• May be required to perform routine cleaning, lubrication and basic operator care; replace consumable or permitted parts as trained.
• Complete minor troubleshooting and corrective actions within documented procedures and Level 1 authorization; promptly report equipment faults, damaged tooling, recurring defects or unsafe conditions.
• Maintain tooling and work areas in good working condition and arrange or escalate repair or maintenance needs through the appropriate process.

Material Handling and Workflow Support

• Maintain required materials and supplies at the workstation and report shortages.
• Sort, pack, crate and package materials or products as assigned.
• Transport raw materials, work-in-process, finished products and equipment manually or with powered equipment when trained and authorized.
• Fit and assemble parts or subassemblies using approved hand and power tools, where assigned.
• Support other machine operators, assemblers and production employees to maintain safe workflow and meet production needs.

Workplace Standards

• Keep equipment, workstation and surrounding areas clean, organized and free of hazards.
• Follow all health and safety requirements, machine guarding, lockout and escalation rules, quality procedures, attendance expectations and company policies.
• Participate in training, cross-training, problem solving and continuous learning required for assigned Level 1 work.
• Adhere to H&S and Environmental policies.
• Perform other related duties within the general nature and level of the position, as assigned.

These duties outline the job description as accurately as possible at this time. Duties may be modified or reassigned based on operational requirements, consistent with the general nature and level of the role.

Competencies Required for the Role

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Desirable

High school diploma or equivalent education.

X

Ability to learn and follow machine instructions, specifications, approved samples, safety rules and verbal direction.

X

Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to use small hand tools safely.

X

Ability to perform visual quality checks and learn the use of measuring tools, such as a vernier, where required.

X

Ability to communicate concerns clearly and work effectively with supervisors, operators, assemblers and support functions.

X

Previous manufacturing, machine-operation, metalworking, plastics, assembly or general labour experience.

X

Experience with Ionic, Riller, Sheet Bender, Frame Bender, CNC, Thermoformer, Manual Line, or Robot equipment and processes.

X

Forklift or powered-equipment experience; company training and authorization are required before operation.

X

Skills & Competencies

Essential

Desirable

Safety awareness and sound judgment.

X

Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

X

Dependability and punctuality.

X

Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

X

Basic problem solving and willingness to escalate.

X

Teamwork and respectful communication.

X

Time management, organization and adaptability.

X

Continuous learning and receptiveness to instruction.

X

Assigned Equipment / Processes

Depending on production requirements and completed training, Level 1 assignments may include:

• Ionic set-up.
• Riller.
• Sheet Bender.
• Frame Bender – loading and cycling only.
• CNC – loading and cycling only.
• Thermoformer.
• Manual Line set-up.
• Robot set-up and changeover.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and may involve pressure to meet production requirements.
• Regular standing for extended periods, repetitive tasks, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Moderate lifting and movement of materials, products or equipment using approved methods.
• Exposure to warm temperatures, machinery noise, dust or particles and other normal manufacturing conditions; required personal protective equipment must be worn.
• Work may require bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, handling tools and materials, and sustained attention to machine operation and product quality.
• Employees are expected to be ready to work at their assigned post at the scheduled shift start time.

Required Personal Protective Equipment

• CSA-approved steel-toed safety footwear.
• Other personal protective equipment as identified by workplace requirements, task-specific risk assessment or posted instructions.