Utility Operator

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Utility Operator provides flexible operational support across all production and manufacturing departments Mandrel Prep, Filament Winder, Production Operator, Glass Room, Extractor, Drill and Cut and Material Handler. This position is responsible for covering coverage and workforce needs, supporting changing production demands and completing non-routine assignments as needed.

The Utility Operator will be cross trained in multiple areas of the operation and may be reassigned throughout the facility based on production schedules, employee absences, customer requirements, and other business needs. The successful candidate must be adaptable, safety-focused, dependable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. As a member of the RS team, this position will help foster an organizational culture that prioritizes employee well-being through health and safety best practices while demonstrating the company's core values of safety, respect, resilience, and teamwork.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide operational support across all production and manufacturing departments (Mandrel Prep, Filament Winder, Production Operator, Glass Room, Extractor, Drill and Cut and Material Handler) based on staffing and business needs.
• Crosstrain in non-skilled production positions to provide coverage for employee absences, vacancies, breaks, production demands, and other operational needs.
• Support production teams during box changes, color changes, line changeovers, and other scheduled or unscheduled production activities.
• Assist with material handling, staging, packaging, labeling, palletizing, loading, unloading, and inventory organization.
• Safely operate forklifts, lift trucks, pallet jacks, and other authorized material-handling equipment, when properly trained and certified.
• Safely operated approved power and hand tools, including saws, drills, routers, files, grinders, and nailers.
• Read and follow production drawings, work instructions, measurements, schedules, and order requirements.
• Inspect work during production activities to confirm it meets applicable specifications and immediately report concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Participate in continuous-improvement activities focused on the "7 Principles of Manufacturing," as identified in the RS Business Maturity Assessment.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, workflow, productivity, housekeeping, material utilization, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate production, inventory, material-movement, and work-completion records, as required.
• Communicate production delays, equipment concerns, material shortages, safety hazards, or other operational issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow all established safety procedures, work instructions, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with company policies and housekeeping standards.
• Perform non-standard work assignments and provide additional departmental support as directed by management.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or G.E.D. or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in manufacturing, production, warehouse, or industrial environment is preferred.
• Forklift or lift-truck certification is preferred; the ability to obtain certification may be required.
• Ability to safely operate power and hand tools, including saws, drills, routers, files, grinders
• Ability to accurately use measuring tools, including tape measures and other basic measuring devices.
• Ability to read and understand production drawings, dimensions, work instructions, and order specifications.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow all safety policies, procedures, warnings, and training materials.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to learn multiple production functions and transition between departments and assignments as business needs change.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and safely with limited supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules when required by production needs. Continental Shift (A.M. and P.M.)

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, equipment, and tools.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and occasional kneeling or crouching, as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30-50 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work safely in the assigned work environment.

Working Conditions

• Industrial manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to hot and humid conditions.
• Exposure to production materials, including limited interaction with manufacturing chemicals while following all required safety procedures and PPE requirements.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement savings plans with company contributions.
• Employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance.
• Optional additional coverage (life, long-term disability).
• Generous paid time off and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunities for growth and development within a global, forward-thinking company.

Why Join Us?

At RS, you'll play a key role in strengthening the quality foundation that supports our continued growth. As we ramp up production, you'll help shape the systems, processes, and culture that ensure our products meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability.

You'll join a collaborative, value-driven team where quality is at the heart of everything we do. If you're passionate about continuous improvement and motivated to make a lasting impact, RS is the place to do it.

EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V