First Shift Leading & Assembly Operator

Job Overview:

The Leading and Assembly Operator performs a variety of production and assembly operations involving electronic components, parts, subassemblies, and finished assemblies. This position follows work orders, processing instructions, and established procedures to prepare, assemble, inspect, sort, and process components while maintaining required quality and production standards.

The Leading and Assembly Operator is expected to work safely, accurately, and efficiently while meeting established production requirements and identifying and reporting defects or other issues that may affect product quality.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Read and follow work orders, processing charts, drawings, specifications, and work instructions to determine required materials, specifications, and sequence of operations.
• Prepare and clean materials, parts, and components as required before assembly or processing.
• Perform assembly operations, including placing leads on parts and other assigned assembly tasks, in accordance with established procedures and specifications.
• Count, sort, organize, and prepare parts and components for production and assembly operations.
• Visually examine parts, components, assemblies, and subassemblies for defects or abnormalities, including broken or missing leads, excess solder, holes or imperfections in sealing material, unevenly wound coils, coating or plating blemishes, scratches, cracks, chips, and other defects.
• Compare hardware and components on assemblies, subassemblies, and parts against applicable parts lists, work instructions, or specifications to verify proper installation.
• Examine components and assemblies to verify proper contact with designated conductor areas.
• Measure parts and components as required to verify dimensions and conformance to specifications.
• Identify and segregate defective parts, components, and assemblies and route them for appropriate rework, salvage, or scrap.
• Record defects accurately, including the type and quantity of defects identified.
• Maintain accurate manual and computerized production, assembly, and inspection records.
• Follow established production methods, quality standards, safety procedures, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Communicate production, quality, equipment, material, or process concerns to the appropriate supervisor or lead.
• Support team productivity and assist coworkers with production and assembly activities as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, production, assembly, electronics, or a similar environment preferred.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, written instructions, processing charts, and specifications.
• Ability to perform repetitive assembly and production tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify visual defects and discrepancies in small parts and electronic components.
• Basic ability to use measuring and inspection tools.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately enter and maintain production information.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow established procedures, safety requirements, and production standards.
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Able and willing to work overtime, including extended hours, weekends, or additional shifts, as required by business needs.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work requiring close visual attention to small parts and components.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods, depending on assigned work.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements associated with assembly and production activities.
• Ability to handle small parts and components safely and accurately.
• Ability to use hand tools, measuring devices, and other production equipment as required.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Pay Range

$17.50 per hour

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.

Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.

What's in it for you on Day 1:
* Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
* Prescription Drug Plans
* Basic Life Insurance
* 401k plan with company match
* Tuition Reimbursement Program
* Employee Referral Program
* Hourly Overtime opportunities
* Paid Time Off
* Paid Holidays

Exciting Onsite Perks:
* Free coffee available at our cafeteria
* Employee Appreciation Events

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment.

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.