Operation Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health is our Purpose, and it's no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us-from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year-to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

As a Lead Operations Manufacturing Mechanic, you will be responsible for operating, setting up, adjusting, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining all departmental production equipment. You will also provide leadership and training for associates on the production floor and work with the machine shop personnel to improve equipment operation and processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates, sets-up, adjusts, changeovers/troubleshoots and repairs/maintains all departmental production equipment.
• Responsibilities include production, quality, downtime and waste levels of machine operation.
• Provides informal leadership in a team environment.
• Trains and advises technical associates and fellow associates on proper set-ups and repairs of equipment.
• Trains Technical Associates in methodical problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate with engineering and Automation Control Technicians to direct the completion of required projects.
• Uses available resources: engineering, machine shop, production and maintenance departments as required.
• Organizes and directs improvement projects to increase equipment utilization and done in conjunction with area engineers, manufacturing supervisor and other resources that may be required.
• Audits preventative maintenance (PM) procedures and activities of Technical Associates and other operations associates.
• Documents electronically preventative maintenance (PM) audits to supervisor for corrective actions.
• Analyzes equipment failures for frequency of failure to modify/update PM work order.
• Sets up and debugs equipment to documented specifications.
• Deviations from these specifications must be cleared up with the supervisor or Engineering.
• Maintains equipment in working order to produce products within specified quality and quantity limits, adjusting, troubleshooting, cleaning and repairing as necessary.
• Maintains equipment logs for each piece of equipment, recording pertinent information about downtime and maintenance problems.
• MUST have clear and legible handwriting.
• Repairs equipment and reports major problems to the supervisor.
• Coordinates maintenance activities with the Maintenance Department, Engineering, or other technical resources, as needed for major repair/production issues.
• Performs preventative maintenance on the equipment as specified in the preventative maintenance program or as needed for smooth operation.
• Tracks and audits PMs to ensure they are completed and closed out in the SAP system.
• Turns on machines and ensures proper functioning of machines and control panels.
• Makes certain safety guards are in position and working properly.
• Verifies that part tracks/rails are clean to ensure free travel of all component parts.
• Monitors production machinery as needed to ensure top performance.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports all upstream and downstream operations.
• Maintains toolbox and ensures surrounding area is neat and clean.
• Verifies that equipment in surrounding areas is clean during the shift.
• Perform other Duties as required

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate's degree (Major: Advanced Mechatronics Technology) preferred
• Completed coursework in the following subjects is preferred (relevant experience may be substituted for individual courses):
  • Schematics
  • Basic Principles of Mechanics
  • Industrial Electricity
  • Problem Solving for Mechanical Applications
  • Introduction to Industrial Technology

Experience and Knowledge

• Mechanical Proficiency and Experience required
  • Proficient with basic hand tools.
  • Knowledgeable of feeler gauges and other tools to measure tolerances, torque, and clearances.
  • Minimum of 1 year as Set-up, Technical Associate role or equivalent.
  • Must possess foundational knowledge with troubleshooting cams, cam-followers, rod-ends, bushings, chain drives, conveyors, gearboxes, vacuum systems, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and ball-valves.
• Basic electrical knowledge and experience with PLC's (Allen Bradley) preferred
• Previous leadership roles or supervisory experience preferred

Computer Literacy & Software Proficiency

• The successful candidate must demonstrate strong computer literacy, including proficiency in navigating and utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Experience with email systems and digital communication platforms is essential for daily operations, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• The role also requires the ability to learn and navigate other business and technical systems such as SAP (enterprise resource planning), Root Cause Analysis tools, Tiered Management Systems (TMS), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) platforms, and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) tracking and analysis tools.

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Supervisory Responsibility

• No Supervision of others

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and climb stairs or ladders throughout the shift.
• Strength & Endurance: Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly without assistance. Push/pull heavy equipment or carts as needed.
• Dexterity & Coordination: Manual dexterity to operate tools, controls, and machinery with precision. Good hand-eye coordination for troubleshooting and repairs.
• Communication: Clear verbal communication is required for team coordination, safety alerts, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Environmental Exposure: May be exposed to elevated temperatures (cool/warm), humidity, loud noise levels (hearing protection required), and chemical substances (with appropriate PPE).

Additional Expectations:

• Ability to safely navigate tight spaces and elevated platforms.
• Willingness to wear required PPE including steel-toe shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Must be comfortable working in both solo and team-based environments.
• This is a fully on-site role inside a manufacturing facility.
• Able and willing to work any shift including 12-hour night shift

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you'll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

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