What Is a Manufacturing Associate and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

The qualifications that you need to become a manufacturing associate vary from employer to employer. Some companies seek applicants with an associate or bachelor’s degree, while others accept high school graduates if they have five or more years of experience in manufacturing or production. In this career, you need troubleshooting skills and the ability to communicate with manufacturing workers to provide guidance. You also need to be familiar with all of the relevant standards, regulations, and safety requirements that affect this job. You need the physical ability to stand on the floor for long periods and lift heavy materials or equipment.

Job Summary

Our company is looking for a Manufacturing Associate to join our production team. In this role, you will set up production equipment, prepare raw materials for production, and verify that we have the correct amount of materials to complete the production run successfully. All applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. You should also have some manufacturing or warehouse experience. Forklift experience or certification is a major plus, but you can earn your license after hiring.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and recalibrate production equipment according to GMPs and SOPs
• Prepare materials for production
• Keep track of supply inventory
• Assist with packaging and labeling finished products
• Ensure consistent product quality
• Assist with other tasks as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Associate degree (preferred)
• Manufacturing experience (strongly preferred)
• Forklift experience (preferred)
• Physical stamina
• Attention to detail