Level 2 Machine Operation Specialist

Level 2 Machine Operations Specialist

Specialty Cups, Inc. (SCI) | Parchment, MI 49004

Job Type: Full-time | In-person
Pay: $25.00–$28.00 per hour
Schedule: 12-hour shifts | Rotating 36/48-hour weeks

About the Role

Specialty Cups, Inc. (SCI) is seeking an experienced, highly skilled Senior Machine Operations Specialist to help maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the performance of our custom automated manufacturing equipment.

This position is designed for someone with a strong background in industrial machinery, mechanical troubleshooting, and production equipment maintenance who can step into a fast-paced manufacturing environment and make an immediate impact.

You'll work directly with our custom K-Cup filter welding machines, diagnosing equipment failures, performing authorized repairs, identifying recurring issues, and helping keep production running efficiently.

When troubleshooting or maintenance is not required, you'll actively support daily production operations alongside the rest of the team.

This is not an entry-level position. We're looking for a proven problem-solver who can work independently, diagnose complex issues, and bring practical experience to our growing operation.

Why You'll Want to Work Here

• Competitive Pay: $25–$28 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated technical ability.
• More Days Off: Our rotating schedule provides more days off than scheduled workdays throughout the year while maintaining full-time employment.
• Company-Paid Health Insurance: Base-level health coverage is fully paid by SCI, with upgraded coverage options available.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 120 hours of paid time off annually.
• Paid Lunch Breaks: Your lunch break is included in your paid 12-hour shift.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow into greater technical responsibilities as our equipment and operations expand.
• Hands-On Technical Work: Work directly with specialized manufacturing equipment and help solve meaningful production challenges.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a collaborative company that values experience, accountability, and practical solutions.
• Make an Impact: Your expertise will directly influence equipment reliability, production efficiency, and company growth.

Additional Benefits

• Dental and vision coverage available
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays and scheduled holiday closures
• Continued technical training and professional development

What You'll DoAdvanced Machine Troubleshooting & Repair

• Independently diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, sensor, and equipment-operation failures.
• Perform authorized repairs, adjustments, and component replacements on automated manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex or recurring machine problems using a systematic, root-cause approach.
• Identify equipment wear, mechanical misalignment, component failures, and other performance issues.
• Verify repairs through controlled testing and confirm machines are operating safely and producing acceptable products.
• Recognize patterns in equipment failures and recommend improvements to increase reliability and reduce downtime.
• Document troubleshooting findings, repairs, replacement parts, and corrective actions.
• Communicate equipment issues, repair progress, and technical recommendations clearly with production personnel and leadership.
• Escalate high-risk issues, unfamiliar systems, and modifications requiring engineering or management approval.

Equipment Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify potential equipment failures before they result in extended downtime.
• Help establish effective preventive maintenance practices and equipment inspection routines.
• Recommend practical improvements to machine performance, consistency, and reliability.
• Assist with troubleshooting procedures and the development of technical documentation.
• Share technical knowledge and provide hands-on guidance to less-experienced team members.
• Collaborate with production leadership and technical support to resolve recurring equipment problems.

Production Operations

• Operate production equipment when troubleshooting or maintenance work is not required.
• Load raw materials, inspect product quality, and package finished goods.
• Monitor equipment performance and recognize early indicators of machine problems.
• Support production teammates to maintain efficient workflow and minimize interruptions.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.

Safety & Accountability

• Follow established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements.
• Maintain all required machine guards, sensors, and safety interlocks.
• Never bypass safety systems or perform unauthorized equipment modifications.
• Exercise sound judgment when determining whether equipment is safe to operate.
• Maintain reliable attendance and consistently report to work prepared for assigned shifts.
• Take ownership of assigned troubleshooting tasks and communicate unresolved issues promptly.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, or maintaining industrial machinery or automated production equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and resolve mechanical equipment failures.
• Strong understanding of mechanical components, machine adjustments, alignment, and equipment operation.
• Practical experience troubleshooting pneumatic systems, sensors, or automated machinery.
• Proficiency using hand tools, measuring instruments, and basic diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to distinguish symptoms from root causes and apply effective corrective actions.
• Experience documenting repairs, technical findings, and equipment problems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with production personnel.
• Ability to prioritize troubleshooting tasks and make sound decisions under production pressure.
• Reliable attendance and ability to consistently work assigned 12-hour shifts.
• Commitment to established safety procedures and equipment authorization requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of industrial maintenance, manufacturing equipment repair, or machine troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with automated assembly, packaging, welding, or high-speed production machinery.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment, electrical sensors, and industrial control systems.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and root-cause analysis.
• Experience training or mentoring other machine operators or technicians.
• Technical certification, apprenticeship, or formal industrial maintenance training.

A degree is not required. Proven hands-on experience, independent troubleshooting ability, mechanical expertise, and sound judgment are what matter most.

Work Schedule

Our production teams follow a consistent rotating 12-hour schedule that provides predictable time off.

• Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
• Week 1: Three scheduled shifts (36 hours)
• Week 2: Four scheduled shifts (48 hours)
• Average: 42 scheduled hours per week
• Assigned schedules may include weekdays and weekends.
• Lunch breaks are paid and included in scheduled shift hours.

Shift assignment is based on available positions and production team needs.

Join Our Team

At Specialty Cups, we're building a stronger, more efficient manufacturing operation, and experienced people play an important role in making that happen.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in solving difficult problems, understands how production equipment works, and can bring the technical experience needed to make an immediate difference.

If you're an experienced mechanical troubleshooter who enjoys hands-on work, independent problem-solving, and helping a growing company succeed, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join Specialty Cups, Inc.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36.0 – 48.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• An automated production machine intermittently stops cycling. The fault appears related to a sensor, but replacing the sensor did not resolve the issue. Walk us through your next troubleshooting steps.
• A pneumatic cylinder extends normally but retracts slowly or inconsistently. What potential mechanical and pneumatic failures would you investigate, and how would you isolate the cause?
• A production machine begins producing inconsistent welds or seals after operating correctly for several hours. What factors would you investigate, and how would you determine the root cause?
• Describe the most challenging automated equipment failure you have personally diagnosed and repaired. Explain the symptoms, diagnostic process, root cause, corrective action, and how you verified the repair.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Industrial maintenance: 3 years (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Overnight Shift (Preferred)
• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person