ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Athens, TN (NOW HIRING)

E & E Manufacturing Inc

Be Seen First

Team Leader (Automotive Manufacturing)

Athens, TN · On-site

Education: · High School Diploma or GED required · Associates or Bachelor's degree in related field strongly preferred Experience: · Three or more years of related manufacturing experience · Two ...

Aerotek

Production Associate

Vonore, TN

$14.25 - $18/hr

Production Associate The Production Associate works in a glass manufacturing plant and supports multiple stages of the production process. In this role, you perform visual inspections and quality ...

Aerotek

Production Associate

Vonore, TN

$17.98 - $19.48/hr

Production Associate The Production Associate works in a manufacturing plant on various stages of ... Work in the manufacturing plant on assigned areas of the glass production process. * Perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs in Athens, TN

Manufacturing Associate information

See Athens, TN salary details

$10

$17

$27

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Athens, TN is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.
More about Manufacturing Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Athens, TN? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Athens, TN are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Athens, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Athens, TN are:
What cities near Athens, TN are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Athens, TN with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Athens, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,308 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Manufacturing Supervisor

Mastercraft Boat Company LLC

Vonore, TN • On-site

$57K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for leading daily production operations within a marine manufacturing facility. This position supervises production employees, ensures products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Supervisor coordinates personnel, equipment, materials, and production schedules to meet customer requirements while maintaining compliance with company policies, marine industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, quality requirements, and delivery commitments.
  • Lead, coach, and develop production team members to achieve operational goals and maintain a positive workplace culture.
  • Monitor workflow, staffing levels, and production metrics to optimize productivity and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental requirements, and company policies.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings, inspections, and corrective action activities.
  • Maintain high standards of workmanship and product quality throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues and improve processes.
  • Investigate and address quality concerns, implementing corrective and preventive actions as needed.
  • Train new employees and support ongoing employee development and cross-training initiatives.
  • Manage employee performance, attendance, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations.
  • Monitor inventory usage and material availability to prevent production disruptions.
  • Utilize manufacturing systems and reporting tools to track productivity, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, and downtime.
  • Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Assist in production planning and capacity management to meet business objectives.
  • Participate in new product introductions and process improvement projects.
  • Maintain accurate production records and reports.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's degree in Manufacturing, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
  • Experience in marine, boat, fiberglass, composites, automotive, heavy equipment, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production scheduling.
  • Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing software systems.
  • Ability to analyze production data and implement corrective actions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with fiberglass lamination, composites manufacturing, boat assembly, marine systems installation, or finishing operations.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training/certification.
  • Experience with ERP or MES systems.
  • OSHA safety training or equivalent safety leadership experience.