3rd Shift Automatic Press Operator

Who We Are

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day;

they are the true driving force in our operations. Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee‑owned automotive companies in North America. Our ESOP program gives shares to all employee‑owners annually, providing an additional retirement benefit that grows over time. We are #Quality Driven and #People Powered.

Has primary responsibility for monitoring up to 1,000‑Ton automatic presses ensuring quality stampings are produced per the Challenge Manufacturing Quality Standards, production orders and engineering specifications. Performs necessary quality checks, records information in PLEX (Enterprise Resource Planning system – ERP) and performs general utility work to meet the work schedule.

• Performs all duties to ensure department and plant meet daily and weekly production requirements.
• References production orders in PLEX to stamp product per Job Element Sheet (JES).
• Selects and loads correct coils in stamping press in order to produce a quality stamping.
• Frequently lifts/moves, pulls/pushes, and/or positions products and materials weighing up to xx pounds, occasionally weighing more (assistance given with heavier objects by work partner[s]), throughout assigned work center. Press operations involve frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, turning, and lifting.
• May select proper rack or bin to pack parts and/or store parts for next process.
• Properly packs parts in correct pin/storage container per packaging instructions to meet customer requirements. Ensures proper labeling requirements are followed.
• Uses personal computer (PC), PLEX system, keyboard, and mouse.
• Completes online work center and operator inspection sheets to verify process is stable and all visual inspection and gauge requirements are being met.
• Visually inspects parts from stamping press per Challenge Manufacturing quality standards to ensure proper form, fit, and function. Ensures customer and Challenge Manufacturing quality standards are met per gauge instructions, first piece inspection approval, problem containment processes, quality alerts, and other quality standards called out in the Challenge Manufacturing Quality Policy and/or PLEX system specific for each work center.
• Ensures and maintains safety and cleanliness of work area by performing housekeeping duties.
• Performs and cross‑trains on various work centers as required.
• Completes appropriate paperwork and other documentation (hourly count boards).
• Meets daily production requirements.

This will be a 3rd Shift / 10PM‑6AM Su‑Th position located at our Plant in Walker, MI. Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• One year of manufacturing experience.
• Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
• Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts. Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
• Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
• Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates…