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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Decatur, MI

Production Associate - Frames

Decatur, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Team Support - Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow and feed ... Previous manufacturing, assembly, or construction experience. * Blueprint or template reading a ...

Production Associate - Prep

Decatur, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Team Support - Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow and feed ... Previous manufacturing, assembly, or construction experience. * Blueprint or template reading.

As a Production Associate you will help build custom commercial doors and entry systems that end up ... This Decatur, Michigan manufacturer has been building engineered architectural door systems since ...

During on-the-job learning (OJL) you will work with complex high-performance manufacturing systems ... You must have the ability to work collaboratively and coordinate your activities with upstream and ...

During on-the-job learning (OJL) you will work with complex high-performance manufacturing systems ... You must have the ability to work collaboratively and coordinate your activities with upstream and ...

During on-the-job learning (OJL) you will work with complex high-performance manufacturing systems ... You must have the ability to work collaboratively and coordinate your activities with upstream and ...

During on-the-job learning (OJL) you will work with complex high-performance manufacturing systems ... You must have the ability to work collaboratively and coordinate your activities with upstream and ...

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

See Decatur, MI salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in Decatur, MI is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an upstream manufacturing associate?

Upstream Manufacturing Associates are professionals who work in the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, primarily focusing on cell culture and fermentation processes. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining bioreactors, monitoring cell growth, and ensuring optimal conditions for producing biological products such as proteins or vaccines. Their role is crucial in setting the foundation for downstream purification and final product manufacturing. Upstream Manufacturing Associates often work in cleanroom environments and follow strict safety and quality protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an upstream manufacturing associate?

To thrive as an Upstream Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid background in biology or biochemistry, familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and typically a bachelor's degree in a scientific field. Experience with bioreactor operation, aseptic techniques, and process control systems such as DeltaV is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the consistent production of high-quality biological products and compliance with industry regulations in a fast-paced environment.

What challenges do upstream manufacturing associates face and how can they be managed?

Upstream Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterility in bioprocessing environments, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adapting to rapidly changing production schedules. Successfully managing these challenges requires strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), strong attention to detail, and effective communication with cross-functional teams like quality assurance and process engineering. Proactively seeking feedback, participating in ongoing training, and staying organized can help associates stay ahead of potential issues and contribute positively to team goals.

What is the difference between Upstream Manufacturing Associate vs Downstream Manufacturing Associate?

AspectUpstream Manufacturing AssociateDownstream Manufacturing Associate
Primary ResponsibilitiesBioreactor operation, cell culture, media preparationPurification, filtration, packaging of products
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floorCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floor
Required SkillsBioprocessing, sterile techniques, equipment handlingFiltration, chromatography, aseptic processing
CertificationsGMP training, sterile technique certificationGMP training, sterile technique certification

Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with upstream associates focusing on the early stages of production like cell culture, and downstream associates handling product purification and finishing. They often work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, but their specific tasks differ within the manufacturing process.

What cities near Decatur, MI are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities near Decatur, MI with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in Decatur, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,996 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Production Associate - Frames

Decatur, MI • On-site

Special-Lite, Inc.
Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

As a Production Associate - Frames, you will perform a variety of duties related to production of our custom doors and entryways.

Your Blueprint for Success:

Safety First - Ensuring all work is done following our safety guidelines.

Assemble with Care - Use your mechanical talents to assemble custom made doors following templates and instructions. Work with your team to trouble shoot issues and produce the highest quality product possible.

Team Support - Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow and feed downstream activities. Work with CNC equipment, hand tools and various measurement devices.

Continually Improve - Participate in various continuous improvement activities, lending your voice to the creative problem-solving process.

Position Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Knowledge of safe operation of basic hand and power tools.
  • Intermediate mechanical comprehension and abilities
  • Ability to read, comprehend and carryout instructions in written, oral, and/or diagram form.
  • Skills to measure and perform mathematical computations, including fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions.
  • Lift 70lbs with assistance.
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Ability to read a tape measure down to a 1/32"
  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous manufacturing, assembly, or construction experience.
  • Blueprint or template reading a plus
  • Our Story:

    Special-Lite manufactures engineered architectural products, which includes commercial entrance systems, interior aluminum (Type II) framing with swing or sliding aluminum framed doors, and FRP restroom partitions. Our interior and exterior complete entrance system products are fiberglass or aluminum flush doors with many door face texture options including wood grain, aluminum monumental (stile & rail) doors, fiberglass and aluminum framing. Our engineered, made to order architectural products are used in new construction and renovation projects for educational, commercial, institutional, industrial and municipal applications. The company was founded in 1971 and pioneered the use of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) material for door skins in the early 1980's, and today is the largest volume producer of commercial FRP doors in the United States.

    Special-Lite will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Special Points:

    The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

    We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

    Physical Requirements:
  • Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently required to talk and hear.
  • Required to stand and walk.
  • Required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 70pounds with assistance.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Work Environment:
  • Safety glasses are always required on the production floor.
  • Hearing protection is required in designated areas.