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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Easley, SC (NOW HIRING)

AFL

Manufacturing Technology Engineer

Duncan, SC · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable, we now manufacture thousands of products, generate in excess of $3 Billion in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL ...

Kroger

Mfg Plant Superintendent

Anderson, SC · On-site

Direct area supervisors and associates in the proper use of safe manufacturing practices, including the potential hazards of products being produced * Validate proper scheduling to maximize line ...

Glen Raven, Inc.

Manufacturing Technician

Anderson, SC

$24.96/hr

Glen Raven Material Solutions, a global leading manufacturer of performance fabrics, is currently ... Follow company policies and safe work practices to prevent injury to yourself and other associates

AFL

Manufacturing Technician - ACA

Duncan, SC · On-site

Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $3B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates ...

Glen Raven

Manufacturing Technician

Anderson, SC · On-site

$24.96/hr

Glen Raven Material Solutions, a global leading manufacturer of performance fabrics, is currently ... Follow company policies and safe work practices to prevent injury to yourself and other associates

Draexlmaier Automotive

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Duncan, SC · On-site

$32.08/hr

Understand new technologies to enable DAA to stay competitive in Automotive Manufacturing. * Aid ... Every day, approximately 55,000 associates around the world cooperate to contribute their knowledge ...

TAKEUCHI MFG U S LTD

Assembly Associate

Moore, SC

$20/hr

Takeuchi Mfg (US) Ltd, a global manufacturer of construction equipment, has launched its first ... Prefer proven work experience as an Assembly Associate, Mechanic or similar role * Good eye-hand ...

TAKEUCHI MFG U S LTD

Shipping Associate / Floater

Moore, SC · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Shipping Associate / Floater As a Shipping Associate / Floater, you will play a critical role in ... Previous experience in shipping, receiving, warehouse operations, or manufacturing/assembly ...

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How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Easley, SC is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.88 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 Easley, SC? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Easley, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Associate jobs in Easley, SC? For Manufacturing Associate jobs in Easley, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Easley, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Easley, SC are:
What cities near Easley, SC are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Easley, SC with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Easley, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,670 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Technology Engineer

AFL

Duncan, SC • On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing Technology Engineer - Injection Molding & Tooling
About Us
AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity, and accessories, and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable, we now manufacture thousands of products, generate in excess of $3 Billion in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide.
At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.
What We Offer
  • Flexibility: Hybrid work schedule for qualifying employees and flexible time off policy.
  • Financial Security: 401K company match up to 4% (dollar-for-dollar match).
  • Growth: Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs.
  • Health & Wellness: Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options.
  • Advancement: Opportunities for career progression with an industry leader.

Job Summary
The Manufacturing Technology Engineer - Injection Molding & Tooling is a technical authority overseeing AFL's external global network of outsourced molding and tooling suppliers. Operating at the critical intersection of New Product Development (NPD), Supply Chain, and external manufacturing, this role is responsible for the design, build, commissioning, and maintenance of injection and compression mold tooling across the product lifecycle.
This position requires a "hands-on" technical expert who will work closely with Product Development and Design Engineering to optimize plastic part design, mandate robust DFM standards, approve tool designs, and manage the technical validation process to evolve AFL's telecommunications product portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
  1. New Product Development & DFM Partnership
  • Design Optimization: Partner directly with Product Development and Design Engineering early in the product lifecycle to optimize plastic part designs for injection and compression molding.
  • DFM Leadership: Lead comprehensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews covering features, draft angles, wall thickness uniformity, gating locations, knit lines, and sink management.
  • Simulation Analysis: Review and interpret Moldflow simulations (fill, pack, warp, and cooling) to make data-driven design decisions before tooling kickoff.
  1. Tooling Procurement & Supplier Management
  • RFQ Strategy: Author technical RFQ packages for new tooling, specifying mold classifications (SPI Class 101/102), steel types, cavitation strategy, and hot/cold runner systems to obtain precise tooling and part quotes.
  • Primary Interface: Act as a primary technical interface between AFL, external toolmakers, and third-party molders to scope, implement, and track tooling changes.
  • Project Management: Lead projects to design, build, and commission mold tooling, tracking schedules to ensure suppliers hit critical milestones from steel cutting through tool acceptance.
  1. Mold Design Approval & Tooling Validation
  • Design Approvals: Critically review and formally approve detailed 3D mold designs and modifications submitted by external vendors, verifying parting lines, cooling line layouts, slider/lifter mechanisms, and ejection systems.
  • Quality Validation: Support engineering and quality teams during the plastic part approval process. Review FAI, IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols, and Statistical Process Control data (Cpk).
  • Hands-on Troubleshooting: Travel to external tool machine shops and supplier molding facilities to troubleshoot sample runs, resolve defects, and optimize process windows using scientific molding principles.
  1. Material Selection & Lifecycle Support
  • Material Strategy: Provide expertise on plastic material properties and resin selection (e.g., Polycarbonate, ABS, blends, glass-filled resins) tailored for telecom and fiber optic environments.
  • Sustaining Engineering: Work collaboratively with Product Engineering to scope and implement changes to released injection and compression tooling, using engineering analysis to solve complex, real-world failures.
  • Safety & Compliance: Work within an ISO-9001 quality management system environment and strictly adhere to and promote the environmental, health, and safety policies of AFL.

Personal Qualities
  • Initiative: A self-starter with a willingness to take on additional responsibilities and drive projects forward independently.
  • Teamwork: Collaborates effectively in a cross-functional team environment featuring product management, quality, and manufacturing engineering.
  • Communication: Possesses strong written, verbal, and interpersonal influencing skills to align internal and external stakeholders.
  • Detail-Oriented: Demonstrates a high level of precision and rigorous attention to detail in tool designs, data analysis, and drawing reviews.
  • Flexible: Mentally agile and able to quickly adapt to shifting project priorities, deadlines, and business needs.

Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a highly relevant technical discipline.
  • Experience: Minimum of 3+ years (7+ preferred for Senior level) of dedicated experience designing, building, and/or troubleshooting injection mold tooling.
  • Hands-On Foundation: Proven physical troubleshooting experience in a tool room, mold-making shop, or injection molding shop floor operations.
  • CAD Proficiency: Solid experience with parametric solid modeling (SolidWorks highly preferred) to interrogate, review, and modify complex plastic part and tooling designs.
  • Technical Knowledge: Robust understanding of plastic part design practices, plastic material properties, metrology, and mold flow simulation.
  • Quality Systems: Experience working within an ISO-9001 quality management system.
  • Travel: Ability to work in an office environment with a willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally to audit suppliers and support tool builds.

Preferred Skills & Experience (Not Required)
  • 5+ years of experience designing and/or building injection and compression mold tooling.
  • 2+ years of direct experience designing plastic parts.
  • Fiber optic industry experience, specifically regarding telecom design, development, and/or component applications.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
AFL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or app)
licants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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