Lead Production Operator at Computype Inc – Saint Paul, Minnesota

About Computype

Since 1975, Computype has been a leading provider of track and trace solutions for critical applications in both industrial and healthcare markets. Over our history, innovation and striving to solve customer challenges have been at our core. Today, we offer a wide range of track and trace solutions, automation, and outsourced services to help our customers reduce labor, drive efficiency, and improve their workflows. With a continued focus on future technologies, we are leading the way with new solutions, applications and opening doors of automated intelligence, enabling better communication and data management, tailored for specific customer applications.

This role is based at our headquarters in Saint Paul, MN.

Primary Objective of Position

The Lead Production Operator’s objective is to provide people, equipment, and process expertise and leadership to their assigned department. The Lead Production Operator will be asked to support their supervisor by delivering guidance, coordinating work assignments, training team members, and providing general leadership to achieve departmental goals. The Lead Production Operator will also be asked to operate machinery, as necessary.

Major Areas of Accountability

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

People:

• Provide team leadership & support to department. This can be achieved by providing direction and guidance to team members daily while serving as the first point of contact for questions, issues, and support. The Lead Production Operator will be expected to lead by example with their performance, attitude, and work ethic.
• Coordinate and delegate assigned tasks based on priorities, workload, and employee skill. The Lead Production Operator will work to ensure work is completed efficiently and according to schedule while monitoring and adjusting workflow as needed.
• Train and develop new employees or employees assigned to a new workstation on processes, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Coach team members to improve skills and performance while identifying training needs.
• Communication in this role is key. We look to the Lead Production Operator to clearly communicate daily goals, expectations, and updates such as issues, delays, or concerns with department and support groups such as Engineering, Customer Service (CS), Maintenance, Planning, and Scheduling to ensure alignment and resolve issues efficiently.
• Assist with managing performance, employee accountability, and productivity. This includes addressing minor performance issues, providing constructive feedback, and reinforcing company policies and work standards.
• Ensure team members follow all safety procedures, address unsafe behaviors immediately, and support a culture of safety and continuous improvement

Equipment:

• Ensure all equipment is operated according to established procedures and work instructions. Will also verify machines are set up correctly before production starts. The Lead Production Operator will also monitor equipment performance during operation to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Submit material requests to the warehouse and confirm all required materials are staged and ready for production. Verify correct materials, settings, and tooling are used.
• Ensure changeovers are completed safely and within expected timeframes.
• Respond to equipment issues and assist operators with troubleshooting.
• Identify and resolve minor mechanical or process problems.
• Ensure operators complete required daily/shift equipment checks.
• Support and verify completion of basic preventive maintenance tasks (cleaning, lubrication, inspections).
• Coordinate with Maintenance for scheduled service or repairs.
• Ensure equipment produces products within quality specifications.
• Ensure accurate recording of downtime, issues, and maintenance needs.
• Track equipment performance (efficiency, scrap, uptime).
• Communicate jobs or equipment-related issues during shift handoffs.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment efficiency and reliability.

Processes:

• Initiate and complete rerun documentation in accordance with established procedures
• Responsible for entering NoRuns for jobs that cannot be executed due to missing materials, tools, file issues, or any other factors preventing production.
• Maintain accurate inventory on the Production floor, preventing discrepancies.
• Conduct bi-weekly inventory counts to ensure accuracy and return materials no longer needed for production back to the warehouse.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• 3+ years of previous team lead experience preferred
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and workflow
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, SOPs, and basic technical drawings (CAD)
• Familiarity with quality standards and inspection methods
• Basic computer skills (production tracking systems, Excel, or similar)
• Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment and process issues
• Ability to make quick decisions to minimize downtime
• Experience implementing corrective actions
• Ability to use email to communicate with team members, supervisors, and other departments efficiently and professionally

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated pay range for this role is $22-26/hour base rate + 15% Lead Differential added onto base rate. The lead differential is paid on all hours worked, PTO, and Holidays. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, STD/LTD, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous PTO policy, 401(k) with match, Profit Sharing.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability

We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Computype, Inc. will consider the key responsibilities of the role.