Job Description

Operator 1

Location: Tupelo, MS

Pay: $18.10/hour + $0.75/hour 2nd Shift Differential

2nd Shift Pay: $18.85/hour

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Shift Time - 3:30 pm to 12:00 am.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Operator 1 to join a manufacturing team in Tupelo, MS. This position is responsible for safely operating production equipment, saws, CNC machinery, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment while maintaining quality and productivity standards.

The ideal candidate will have manufacturing experience, strong attention to detail, good math skills, and the ability to work safely and independently in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment, saws, CNC machines, forklifts, and other machinery safely and efficiently.
• Read and understand work orders, instructions, and other written communications.
• Accurately complete required production and inventory paperwork.
• Load, stack, move, and transport foam and fiber products throughout the facility.
• Cut foam and fiber products according to specifications.
• Bag, move, and transport finished products using carts and other material-handling equipment.
• Use hand scanners as part of the inventory tracking system.
• Safely operate a forklift to load and unload trailers and move materials throughout the facility.
• Safely mount and dismount forklifts.
• Inspect products for defects and determine the most efficient cutting process to maximize material yield.
• Set machine controls and make necessary blade and equipment adjustments.
• Operate cutting equipment from machine consoles.
• Measure materials and verify dimensions meet required specifications.
• Assist production supervisors with additional duties as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous manufacturing experience preferred.
• CNC or machine operating experience is a plus.
• Previous forklift experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.
• Must be able to accurately read a tape measure to the 1/16th of an inch.
• Ability to read and understand work-related documents and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Must be able to pass required vision standards and a post-offer drug screen.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Lift up to 40 pounds from floor level.
• Regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift or move heavier materials with mechanical assistance.
• Push and pull carts weighing up to approximately 400 pounds.
• Bend, twist, climb, reach overhead, push, pull, walk, and stand for extended periods.
• Work from floor level and reach above shoulder height when necessary.
• Perform repetitive physical movements throughout the workday.

Work Environment & Safety

• Work in a manufacturing environment around moving machinery and equipment.
• Exposure to airborne particles and manufacturing materials.
• Work in varying temperature conditions depending on the season and work area.
• Hearing protection is required in designated areas.
• Safety glasses and other required PPE must be worn on the production floor.
• Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be dependable, safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, and committed to producing quality work. Strong attention to detail, the ability to accurately measure materials, and a willingness to learn and operate different types of equipment are essential for success in this position.