Production Support Associate

Overview The Production Support Associate is an entry-level position designed for someone who wants to get their foot in the door at a precision metal fabrication shop and grow from there. This role supports multiple areas of the operation — shipping and receiving, secondary operations, inventory management, and general shop maintenance — and serves as a foundation for cross-training into higher-skilled positions over time. We're not looking for someone who wants a job. We're looking for someone who wants a career in manufacturing and is willing to earn it by showing up consistently, paying attention, and doing the unglamorous work well. At FabWest, operators who've come up through support roles often become some of our most capable people — because they understand how the whole shop works, not just one station. For the right person, this is a starting point, not a ceiling. Key Responsibilities Shipping & Receiving Support Assist the Shipping & Receiving Coordinator with inbound receiving — unloading, verifying counts, and staging incoming material in the correct locations Support outbound packing and staging — assist with packing parts, applying labels, and preparing shipments for carrier pickup under the Coordinator's direction Keep the dock area clean, organized, and free of clutter — a clean dock prevents mix-ups and keeps shipments moving accurately Secondary Operations Support Perform deburring and basic edge finishing on laser-cut and formed parts under the direction of the Floor Supervisor Assist with drilling, tapping, and countersinking operations as skills develop and cross-training is completed Follow work order instructions, verify part counts, and maintain organized part staging with paperwork attached at every handoff Maintain a clean and organized secondary ops work area and return all tools to proper storage after use Inventory & Material Handling Operate a forklift and/or pallet jack to move raw material, finished goods, and supplies throughout the shop (certification provided or required upon hire) Assist with physical inventory counts and material organization in the raw material storage area Return remnant material and overrun parts to their correct designated locations — mislabeled or misplaced material creates downstream problems Notify the Floor Supervisor or Coordinator when material stock appears low or when incoming material doesn't match the purchase order Shop Maintenance & General Support Perform daily and weekly shop cleaning — sweeping, blowing down machines, emptying scrap bins, and maintaining common areas Dispose of scrap metal and waste materials per shop procedure Assist with shop organization projects, tooling organization, and general facility upkeep as directed Support other departments with material movement, part staging, and general labor as production needs require Conduct & Growth Show up on time, follow instructions, and take ownership of assigned tasks without needing to be asked twice — these are the behaviors that open doors here Actively engage in cross-training opportunities as they become available — FabWest is a multi-discipline shop and there is genuine room to grow for someone who earns it Ask questions when something is unclear; flag problems rather than guessing or ignoring them Maintain accurate time entries and complete any required work order documentation Qualifications No prior manufacturing experience required — we will train the right person Forklift certification preferred; must be willing and able to obtain certification upon hire Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop environment throughout a shift Mechanically curious — you notice how things work and you're comfortable with tools Reliable, punctual, and coachable — the most important qualifications for this role Valid driver's license a plus (occasional material pickup runs possible) A genuine interest in manufacturing, fabrication, or skilled trades is the strongest signal we look for Shop hours are 6:30 am - 3:00 pm. Join us as a Production Support Associate and become an integral part of our manufacturing success! Your willingness to learn, attention to detail, proactive attitude, and dedication will give you the opportunity to grow with us. We look forward to welcoming motivated individuals ready to contribute their talents in a vibrant production environment.

Pay:

$18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Opportunities for advancement Paid time off

Work Location:

In person