Production Operations Associate

Production Operations Associate A-1 Screenprinting LLC DBA Underground Printing - 3.0 Ypsilanti, MI Job Details 1 day ago Qualifications Press operation Maintaining an organized workspace Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering Embroidery Safety inspections for hazard identification Workflow management (operations management method) Engineering Cycle counting inventory management Cost control High school diploma or GED Bachelor's degree Continuous improvement Industrial Engineering Receiving shipments Bachelor's degree in operations management Organizational skills Safety audits for hazard identification Manufacturing Clean workspace maintenance Screen printing Escalation handling Operations Implementing cost-saving initiatives Manufacturing company experience Supply Chain Management Implementing lean manufacturing processes Entry level Bachelor's degree in supply chain management Order fulfillment

Full Job Description Description:

Position Overview Underground Printing is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to join our team in an entry-level Operations & Production Support role within our custom apparel manufacturing facility. This is a hands-on, floor-based position that supports daily operations across screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG), and heat transfer production. The role plays a critical part in maintaining supply flow, supporting production teams, and driving efficiency through lean manufacturing practices. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and contributing to operational efficiency and cost control. Key Responsibilities Production Supply & Inventory Management Maintain and restock supplies across screen print, embroidery, DTG, and heat press departments to ensure uninterrupted production flow Monitor inventory levels, perform cycle counts, and support inventory accuracy across inks, garments, transfer materials, and consumables Support and sustain Kanban systems to improve material flow, reduce waste, and minimize downtime Identify supply gaps, overstock, and inefficiencies, and communicate opportunities for cost savings Production Floor & Operational Support Provide hands-on support across production departments, including: Screen Printing (ink organization, staging, and press support) Embroidery (thread, backing, and workstation readiness) DTG (garment flow, pretreat support, supply staging) Heat Press / Transfers (material prep and workflow support) Assist with job staging, workflow organization, and general production needs Support shipping, receiving, and fulfillment operations as needed Cross-train across departments to build a strong understanding of production processes and constraints Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Maintain and reinforce 5S standards across all production areas Conduct routine floor audits to ensure organization, cleanliness, and adherence to standard work Identify and escalate inefficiencies related to motion, material flow, overproduction, and downtime Support Kaizen (continuous improvement) initiatives focused on improving throughput, reducing waste, and lowering operational costs Assist in developing and sustaining visual management and standardized processes Health, Safety & Facility Support Participate in routine safety and facility walkthroughs Identify hazards, organizational gaps, and non-compliance with safety standards Support corrective actions and reinforce safe, efficient work practices Help maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready environment Work Environment & Physical Requirements Active, on-the-floor role within a production facility Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and movement of materials Exposure to production equipment and varying workflow demands Flexibility to support different departments based on business needs Growth Opportunity This role provides a foundation for growth into operations leadership, production supervision, logistics, or continuous improvement roles. Team members will gain hands-on experience across multiple apparel decoration methods and develop a strong understanding of manufacturing operations.

Requirements:

Required:

High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary education in operations, supply chain, or engineering is a plus) Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment Willingness to take initiative and support multiple departments

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree (or recent graduate) in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field Exposure to lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Kanban) Experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment Basic data tracking or problem-solving skills Familiarity with inventory processes or material flow concepts