3rd Shift Clinch Nut Operator

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay: Starting at $17.00 per hour or higher, based on experience
Schedule: Friday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Shift: 3rd Shift
Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

A manufacturing facility in Gastonia is seeking an experienced and dependable Clinch Nut Operator to support metal fabrication and production operations.

The Clinch Nut Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring specialized machinery used to install clinch nuts and other fasteners into metal components. This position requires an understanding of basic measurements, machine control panels, production instructions, and quality standards.

Previous clinch nut experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with experience operating manufacturing or production machinery should be able to learn and adapt quickly to this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate clinch nut machinery according to production specifications and work instructions
• Load, position, and secure metal parts or components properly before beginning the machine cycle
• Use machine control panels to start, stop, monitor, and adjust equipment
• Install clinch nuts and related fasteners in the correct locations
• Verify proper alignment, placement, depth, and secure installation of fasteners
• Read and understand basic measurements, production specifications, diagrams, and work instructions
• Use measuring tools, gauges, templates, or fixtures to confirm product accuracy
• Monitor machine performance and make approved adjustments when necessary
• Perform visual and dimensional inspections of completed parts
• Identify defective materials, incorrectly installed fasteners, or other quality concerns
• Separate nonconforming parts and report quality issues to the supervisor
• Complete basic production, inspection, and material-tracking documentation
• Perform routine equipment checks and report malfunctions or unusual machine conditions
• Maintain an organized and clean workstation
• Follow all production, quality, safety, and lockout/tagout procedures
• Work with supervisors, quality personnel, and other production employees to meet daily production goals
• Perform additional manufacturing or general production duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Previous machine operator or manufacturing equipment experience required
• Clinch nut, press, fastener installation, or metal fabrication experience preferred
• Ability to understand basic measurements and shop mathematics
• Comfortable operating computerized or digital machine control panels
• Ability to follow written and verbal production instructions
• Ability to read basic diagrams, specifications, and work orders
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team
• Dependable attendance and ability to work the full Friday-through-Sunday schedule
• Willingness to learn clinch nut equipment and manufacturing processes

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a 12-hour shift
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive production tasks
• Ability to handle metal parts, tools, fixtures, and production materials
• Ability to work safely around industrial machinery, moving equipment, noise, and metal fabrication processes
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities

Required Personal Protective Equipment

Employees must wear all required PPE, which may include:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Steel-toe or safety-toe footwear
• Work gloves when required for the assigned task
• Additional protective equipment based on the work area

Preferred Skills

• Experience operating presses, fastening machines, CNC equipment, or similar manufacturing machinery
• Experience using tape measures, calipers, gauges, or other measuring tools
• Familiarity with metal components, hardware, fasteners, and production drawings
• Experience performing first-piece and in-process quality inspections
• Ability to recognize machine alarms and communicate equipment issues promptly