Operations Assistance Specialist
Hastings, Nebraska•Full-time
$20 - $25 hourly
$20 - $25 hourly
About the Job
We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive **Operational Specialist Assistant** to support daily production operations in our aluminum foundry and die casting facility. This role bridges shop floor execution with data analysis and continuous improvement efforts, ensuring efficient, high-quality production of metal components. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and able to collaborate effectively with operators and teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Bilingual fluency in **English and Spanish** is required to support our diverse workforce.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in monitoring and optimizing daily production processes in aluminum melting, die casting, trimming, and finishing operations to meet production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
- Support **Lean manufacturing** initiatives, including the implementation and sustainment of **5S** (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) practices across the shop floor to improve workplace organization, safety, and efficiency.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret production data using **MS Excel**; create charts, graphs, **Pareto** analyses, trend reports, and other visualizations to identify bottlenecks, defects, scrap causes, and opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate closely with shop floor operators, team leads, and supervisors to gather insights, troubleshoot issues, provide coaching on best practices, and implement process changes in real time.
- Conduct regular Gemba walks and audits on the production floor to ensure adherence to standard work, safety protocols, and quality procedures; be hands-on when necessary to assist with setups, changeovers, or minor troubleshooting.
- Drive **data-driven** problem-solving by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), cycle times, scrap rates, downtime, and first-pass yield; prepare reports and recommendations for management.
- Support customer service by ensuring production aligns with customer specifications and delivery requirements; communicate effectively with internal teams and, when needed, assist in addressing customer inquiries or quality concerns.
- Participate in continuous improvement projects, Kaizen events, root cause analysis (e.g., using 5-Why or fishbone diagrams), and corrective action implementation to reduce waste and enhance productivity.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including production logs, work instructions, audit records, and improvement trackers.
- Promote a safe, compliant, and inclusive work environment while adhering to all company policies, OSHA regulations, and industry standards for foundry and die casting operations.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in manufacturing, industrial engineering, operations management, or a related field preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in **metal industry**, **aluminum foundry**, **die casting**, or related production processes (e.g., operating or supporting casting machines, handling molten metal, or finishing operations).
- Strong knowledge of **Lean manufacturing** principles and hands-on experience implementing **5S** in a production setting.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel — must be able to create pivot tables, charts, Pareto charts, trend lines, and basic data analysis formulas.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively on the shop floor with operators and production teams; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written) — essential for effective communication with diverse teams and operators.
- Data-driven mindset with strong attention to detail; ability to spot anomalies in processes or data quickly.
- Customer-focused approach with the ability to prioritize quality and on-time delivery.
- Hands-on attitude — willing and able to step into production tasks when required (e.g., supporting changeovers or audits).
- Basic understanding of production metrics, quality control, and safety practices in a foundry/die casting setting.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment (standing for long periods, exposure to heat/noise, lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with die casting machines, trim presses, furnaces, or related equipment.
- Familiarity with quality tools (e.g., control charts, SPC) or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma basics, Kaizen).
- Previous exposure to ERP/MES systems for production tracking.
Join us as an Operational Specialist Assistant and become a vital part of our mission to deliver exceptional support through organized processes and outstanding service! We value energetic individuals eager to grow their careers while making a positive impact every day.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Job Type: Full-time.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Health savings account.
- Life insurance.
- Vision insurance.
About Nebraska Aluminum Castings
Please visit our Company Website to learn more about our company!