Machine Operator

Job Purpose

The Automation Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe, consistent, and efficient operation of ALE's Megaline automated and semi-automated lithium-ion cell manufacturing equipment. Following required training and qualification, the operator will run assigned equipment, monitor process conditions, respond to alarms and minor stoppages, perform routine inspections and operator-level maintenance, complete production and quality records, and escalate equipment or process abnormalities. The role directly supports production readiness, ramp-up, safety, quality, throughput, yield, scrap reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Operate assigned Megaline automated and semi-automated manufacturing equipment in accordance with approved SOPs, work instructions, safety requirements, and production schedules.

· Perform equipment start-up, shutdown, changeover, material loading/unloading, tooling and fixture checks, and recipe/parameter verification within authorized operator limits.

· Monitor HMI/PLC screens, machine status, alarms, sensors, cycle conditions, and process outputs; identify abnormal conditions and escalate issues requiring Engineering or Maintenance support.

· Respond to minor equipment stops and perform basic troubleshooting and recovery activities in accordance with training and approved procedures; never bypass safety interlocks or unauthorized controls.

· Support automated pouch and/or cylindrical cell processes as assigned, including electrode processing, cell assembly, stacking or winding, welding, electrolyte filling, vacuum/drying, material transfer, inspection, and sorting interfaces.

· Verify correct work orders, materials, lots, tooling, fixtures, and process settings before production; maintain material, WIP, and product identification and traceability.

· Perform required first-piece, in-process, and visual quality checks; identify and segregate nonconforming material and immediately report quality concerns.

· Accurately complete production records, QC documentation, downtime logs, scrap records, equipment checklists, and other required electronic or manual records.

· Perform operator-level preventive maintenance, routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication or basic equipment care where authorized; identify wear, damage, leaks, contamination, or unsafe conditions.

· Support equipment commissioning, qualification, trial production, process validation, continuous-run testing, and production ramp-up activities under direction of Operations and Engineering.

· Participate in shift handoffs and clearly communicate equipment status, open issues, downtime, quality concerns, material shortages, and required follow-up actions.

· Work cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Material/Warehouse teams to resolve line constraints and maintain safe production flow.

· Follow all EHS requirements, PPE rules, dry-room/controlled-environment practices, chemical-handling requirements, lockout/tagout boundaries, and emergency procedures applicable to the assigned area.

· Maintain workplace organization and cleanliness using 5S principles and support continuous-improvement activities.

· Support achievement of operational KPIs including safety, schedule attainment, throughput, yield, scrap, downtime, labor productivity, and OEE.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

· High school diploma or GED required; technical school, trade school, manufacturing certificate, associate degree, or related vocational training preferred.

· Minimum 2 years of manufacturing or production-equipment operating experience required.

· 2-4 years of experience operating automated or semi-automated manufacturing equipment is preferred.

· Experience in lithium-ion battery, automotive, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, electronics, medical-device, aerospace, high-volume assembly, or other advanced manufacturing environments is strongly preferred. Candidates with hands-on backgrounds as semiconductor equipment operators/technicians, CNC machine operators, or SMT (Surface Mount Technology) equipment operators are especially preferred because of their experience with automated equipment, process controls, precision manufacturing, equipment setup, troubleshooting, and disciplined production environments.

· Hands-on experience with HMIs, PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, automated material handling, robotics, machine vision, servo systems, or similar industrial automation is preferred.

· Experience performing basic machine troubleshooting, equipment changeovers, routine preventive maintenance, and production documentation is preferred.

· Experience working in a controlled environment, dry room, clean room, or process environment requiring strict contamination and material controls is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely work around automated production machinery and electro-mechanical systems.

· Ability to read, understand, and consistently follow SOPs, work instructions, production travelers, equipment checklists, and quality requirements.

· Ability to recognize equipment abnormalities, alarms, defects, and process deviations and respond appropriately within defined operator responsibilities.

· Basic understanding of manufacturing metrics such as throughput, yield, scrap, downtime, cycle time, and OEE is preferred.

· Basic computer skills and ability to enter accurate production information into electronic systems; MES/ERP experience is a plus.

· Strong attention to detail, quality awareness, and commitment to accurate documentation and product traceability.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.

· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production ramp environment and adapt to evolving equipment, processes, and production requirements.

· Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions and Schedule

· Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment and may include dry-room or other controlled-environment areas.

· Regular exposure to automated machinery, moving equipment, production noise, and battery-manufacturing materials handled under controlled procedures.

· Required to wear assigned PPE and comply with all safety, EHS, contamination-control, and material-handling requirements.

· Must be willing and able to work assigned shifts, including first or second shift, overtime, weekends, or schedule changes as business and production needs require.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.

· Ability to bend, squat, kneel, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive production tasks.

· Ability to use hand tools and interact with machine controls, fixtures, components, and production materials.

· Ability to lift and move up to 50 lb using appropriate safe-lifting practices or assistance when required.

Performance Expectations

· Operate equipment safely and consistently while following approved processes and escalation requirements.

· Maintain accurate, timely, and complete production and quality documentation.

· Contribute to achievement of Megaline targets for safety, quality, schedule attainment, throughput, yield, scrap, downtime, and OEE.

· Demonstrate ownership of assigned equipment and work area through strong 5S, equipment care, shift communication, and continuous improvement.

Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person