Production Associate

**ABOUT YOUNGSTOWN GLOVE CO.:** Youngstown Glove Co. is the leading manufacturer of technical gloves for the Electric Utility market in the United States. We are unwavering in our commitment to making the very best gloves - unmatched in their quality, safety and performance. We are also unwavering in our commitment to identifying, hiring and retaining talented individuals to assist in continuing our market leading position along with shaping the future of our company. As a result of these commitments, we are growing at a very rapid pace and have begun the process of building a state-of-the-art rubber glove factory in Springfield, Missouri. This will complete our mission of offering a total hand protection solution to the Electric Utility worker. **JOB SUMMARY:** We are seeking a highly motivated Production Associate that will play a critical role in completing and optimizing production processes while ensuring products meet stringent quality standards. The role will be primarily responsible for producing small batch production runs. This position involves executing hands-on production processes, quality inspections, general data analysis, and collaboration with production teams to deliver reliable, high-quality products. The ideal candidate has a high attention to detail and is technically adept, flexible, detail-oriented, and passionate about innovation and quality. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:** - **Process Development and Optimization:** - Conduct trials and small production runs on pilot-scale equipment to validate process feasibility, scalability, and custom batch runs. - **Quality Assurance and Control:** - Perform inspections and testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality specifications and industry standards (ISO). - Maintain detailed records of quality tests, process parameters, and compliance documentation for traceability. - Log data and trends in MS Excel. - **Equipment Operation:** - Operate and maintain equipment to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency. Basic troubleshooting of equipment issues. - Operate robotic automation manufacturing cell, using Human Machine Interface (HMI). - Load/Unload racks of parts 20-30lbs. - Perform basic production tasks, as required. - Ensure a safe and organized work environment, adhering to safety protocols and regulatory requirements. - Maintain a clean and tidy work area. Operator will be responsible for maintaining an organized and efficient work environment conducive to producing a high quality product. - Follow all applicable SOPs. - **Data Analysis and Reporting:** - Collect process and quality data using tools like Excel to monitor performance and trends. - Prepare reports summarizing results and quality findings for R&D, production, and management teams. - **Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:** - Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean or Six Sigma projects, to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. - Participate in cross-functional meetings to share insights and align on project goals and quality objectives. **QUALIFICATIONS:** - **Education:** - High School Diploma or equivalent, required. - **Experience:** - Experience working in a manufacturing environment. - Hands-on experience with process testing, quality inspections, or operating laboratory/production equipment, preferred. - Experience operating a robotic automated cell, preffered. - **Skills and Competencies:** - Proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Excel or similar platforms. - Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with the ability to gain knowledge on how to troubleshoot process and quality issues effectively. - Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate across cross-functional teams. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. - Ability to adapt to change positively and effectively. - Ability to work under ge…