Material Prep Operator

Job Title: Material Prep Operator 
Department: Material Prep Department 
Reports To: Plant Manager 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Richfield, WI

Who is Dielectric Manufacturing?
Dielectric is a plastics and metals contract manufacturer specializing in thermosets and thermoplastics, delivering world class service using our family values. Our company values guide all that we do… 
Open to Change | Passion | Get ‘r Done| Respect | Responsible & Accountable | Accept the Challenge

Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Material Prep Operator to support production by cutting and preparing raw plastic materials using saws, shears, and punch presses. This role is essential to ensure timely and accurate supply of material blanks and components in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume plastics manufacturing environment. 

Essential Functions:

• Operate saws (band saw, circular saw, CNC saw etc.) to cut plastic stock materials to specified sizes according to work orders or cut lists.

• Set up and operate punch presses for blanking, hole punching, or notching operations on plastic sheets or parts.

• Inspect raw materials and finished blanks for quality, dimensions, and defects.

• Maintain accurate records of material usage, cut lengths, and production quantities.

• Measure parts to ensure they meet required specifications and tolerances.

• Follow safety protocols to operate cutting and punching equipment safely.

• Assist in material staging, sorting, and transporting cut parts to machining or assembly areas.

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on saws and punch presses.

• Report equipment issues or material inconsistencies to supervisors promptly.

• Support changeovers and quick setups to accommodate frequent job changes.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience in a plastics manufacturing or high-mix, low-volume production environment.

• Prior experience operating saws, punch presses, or similar material prep equipment (manufacturing experience preferred).

• Familiarity with machine setup, tooling changes, and basic troubleshooting.

• Knowledge of material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack).

• Knowledge of using measurement tools such as calipers and tape measures.

• Ability to read and interpret work orders, cut lists, and basic drawings.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Ability to safely handle and cut plastic materials of varying sizes and thicknesses.

• Good communication skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

• Basic math skills and manual dexterity.

Work Environment:

• Production floor environment with noise and manual handling.

• Frequent standing, bending, and repetitive motions for extended periods.

• Emphasis on safety and adherence to equipment operating procedures.

• Collaborative team culture with opportunities for cross-training.

• Exposure to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, and varying temperatures.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs repetitively.

• This position may involve exposure to, but is not limited to, the following materials: acrylic, polycarbonate, FR-4 epoxy glass, GPO (I, III, III) polyester glass, HDPE (high-density polyethylene), glass epoxy, G9 melamine laminate, copper, brass, and aluminum

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage/salary based on experience.

• We offer excellent wages and comprehensive benefits including Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and 401(K) with Employer match up to 4%.

EEO Statement:
Dielectric Manufacturing provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.