Production Assistant Runner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description

$2,500 Sign-On Bonus Available!

For offers extended on or after July 1, 2026.

Earn $1,000 after 90 days and $1,500 after 180 days of successful employment.

Are you a skilled manufacturing professional who thrives on variety, problem-solving, and making an impact? 

The Production Technician is a highly skilled, cross-functional role responsible for supporting multiple manufacturing operations including welding, machine operation, material handling, and production support activities. This position is designed for individuals who enjoy working across different processes, adapting to changing priorities, and helping keep production running efficiently. Production Technicians are trusted team members who work with a high degree of independence and play a critical role in maintaining safety, quality, productivity, and operational flexibility.

This full-time position reports to the Production Supervisor and offers an exciting opportunity to be part of launching Safco's new 2nd Shift operation. As a key member of the off-shift team, you will help establish and support a new manufacturing operation while providing critical cross-functional expertise across welding, fabrication, machine operation, and material handling activities.

2nd Shift Hours: Monday – Thursday 3:30pm – 1:30am. Overtime may be required on Fridays based on business needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform welding activities consistent with established quality and productivity standards.
• Set up and operate manufacturing equipment including lasers, press brakes, and other fabrication machinery.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, routings, and production schedules.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to transport raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods.
• Support material flow activities including loading, unloading, staging, replenishment, and movement of materials between work centers.
• Perform machine changeovers, tooling adjustments, and routine production setups.
• Complete in-process quality inspections and verify products meet customer and company specifications.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve routine production issues with limited supervision.
• Support production priorities by flexing between departments and work centers as required.
• Assist in training and mentoring less experienced employees on equipment, processes, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate production, inventory, and quality documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and material handling requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment consistent with 5S and housekeeping expectations.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• High School diploma or GED 
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience 
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple production disciplines including welding, machine operation, and material handling
• Ability to operate forklift or willing to obtain forklift certification
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and use math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Proven ability to adapt to changing production priorities

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills and a high degree of responsiveness and empathy for internal and external customers.
• Preferred metal fabrication and welding background.
• Prior work experience with JDE/Oracle in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in a high variety, low to mid-volume manufacturing environment a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour plus hourly shift differential pay. The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location.  Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services. Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment
• Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 4+ hours per shift
• Must be able to bend and stoop for 7+ hours per shift
• Must be able to stand for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to reach and grasp up to 6+ hours per shift

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota, Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.

Since 1918, our values – Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence – have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and solutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includes Liberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom Solutions and Quarrix Building Products) and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.