Production Associate 3 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

CME is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Production Associate I-III to support our manufacturing and operations teams. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building, assembling, troubleshooting, and producing high-quality products used in demanding industries, including aerospace, defense/military, automotive, heavy equipment, and technology.

As a Production Associate, you will perform detailed electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assembly work, including wiring, cable harnessing, component installation, soldering, testing, inspection, and final product assembly. Your work will directly contribute to product quality, on-time delivery, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and CME's continued growth and competitiveness.

The appropriate level (I, II, or III) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, technical skills, certifications, and ability to perform work independently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assemble and modify electrical/electronic components, subassemblies, cable harnesses, and finished products according to drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Perform wiring, cable harnessing, crimping, component installation, hand soldering, fastening, and related assembly operations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, diagrams, wire lists, work orders, and technical instructions.
• Inspect and test assemblies for continuity, resistance, workmanship, functionality, and conformance to specifications.
• Troubleshoot, repair, or replace defective components and assemblies.
• Maintain required tolerances and workmanship standards during assembly and setup operations.
• Clean, label, package, and prepare completed assemblies for storage or shipment.
• Accurately document production, inspection, and test results as required.
• Work with supervisors, engineers, quality personnel, and other team members to resolve production issues.
• Follow applicable quality standards, work instructions, chemical-handling requirements, safety procedures, and company policies.
• At higher levels, assist with complex assemblies, troubleshooting, process improvements, and training or mentoring other team members.

Job Qualifications:

• Work experience in production and processing, with knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques in manufacture and distribution of goods
• AS9100, CMMI and J-STD-001C Class 3 standards
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to read blueprints and/or technical instructions
• Ability to conduct quality control tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
• Ability to troubleshoot to determine causes of operating errors and to decide on solution
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and appropriate procedures
• Understand and follow chemical safety requirements, and safety rules and regulations

Minimum Requirements Needed:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade-school training preferred.
• Experience in electronics, electromechanical assembly, manufacturing, or a related production environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Experience with hand tools, soldering, crimping, wiring, cable harnessing, and/or electronic assembly equipment.
• Ability to perform inspections and basic testing and identify workmanship or assembly defects.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to follow established procedures.
• Familiarity with AS9100, CMMI, J-STD-001 Class 3, or similar aerospace/defense manufacturing standards is preferred.
• Positions with CME require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum
• Successful Passage of Required Screenings & Tests: Background Check, Reference, and Drug Testing

Production Associate I: Entry/developing level. Performs routine assembly and production tasks using established procedures and work instructions under general supervision. Typically requires 1+ year of related experience or equivalent technical training.

Production Associate II: Intermediate level. Independently performs moderately complex assembly, wiring, soldering, testing, inspection, and troubleshooting activities. May assist less-experienced team members and support resolution of production issues. Typically requires 3+ years of related experience.

Production Associate III: Advanced level. Performs complex electrical/electromechanical assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and repair with a high degree of independence. May support process improvements, resolve advanced production issues, and train or mentor other Production Associates. Typically requires 5+ years of related experience.

Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and relevant experience may be considered when determining position level.

Travel Percentage Required: Minimal & Usually Local to Vendors. 0% -5%

An award-winning Tampa Bay small business for nearly three decades, Custom Manufacturing & Engineering, Inc. (CME®) delivers Engineering, manufacturing, test, and calibration/repair services to Government and Industry. Join us at CME, where one can "Use Our Expertise to Design & Build Your Solutions" CME's culture is embodied by Core Values that are focused on: Serving the customer while protecting CME, delivering quality products and services as required, solving problems, working with energy and passion, and encouraging and developing employees that challenge themselves.

As a strong supporter of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and other select charitable initiatives, CME promotes and encourages employee community support to nonprofit organizations or educational institutions, especially for mentoring and school/student support. Most of CME's products and services are focused on the development and manufacturing of energy efficient and sustainable products such as more efficient power supplies, intelligent power distribution units, energy saving solar panels, and other electronic systems, end products, or components. (www.custom-mfg-eng.com).

CME is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

As a U.S. defense contractor CME is also subject to additional rules and regulations regarding the hiring of foreign persons. In compliance with U.S. federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States; CME cannot accept any person for employment who does not meet employment eligibility requirements, E-Verify verification, and/or is in the U.S. under a student (F1 and/or OPT, J1, orM1) and/or temporary work visa.