Lead, Production Operator

Day & Zimmermann
Yankton, SD Full Time
POSTED ON 7/26/2024 CLOSED ON 9/21/2024

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead, Production Operator position at Day & Zimmermann?

About Empire Products Inc.,

Empire Products Inc., a Day & Zimmermann Company, is a leading provider of high-quality contract sewing services. We've been a trusted partner for over 30 years, delivering exceptional sewn products that play a vital role in keeping military personnel safe and supporting operations. We specialize in a wide range of sewn products, from ammunition and charge bags to other mission-critical items. Our dedication to quality and innovation ensures our products consistently exceed customer expectations. ® http://www.dayzim.com


As the Lead, Production Operator here's the work you'll do:

Position Summary

The Lead, Production Operator will perform various assigned work tasks in connection with industrial sewing machines and other peripheral equipment utilized for the production of ammunition. The SMOL will take instructions from the Production Supervisor and disseminate information and assignments as provided to operators. The SMOL will be required to operate sewing machines, power trucks and hand tools. The SMOL will manufacture items in accordance with the latest drawing and specifications based on customer requirements.

  • Coordinating the production workflow, ensuring that resources, materials, and manpower are efficiently utilized to meet production targets. Generate production reports, documenting processes, and providing regular updates to supervisor/management on production progress, issues, and performance metrics.
  • Delegates and inspects assignments for assigned shift as given by the Production Supervisor. Monitor production processes and may suggest or perform appropriate operational changes to ensure production goals are met.
  • The SMOL may operate automatic sewing machines for fabrication of textiles, while utilizing knowledge of threading machines, winding bobbins, adjusting tensions, cutting and oiling parts. In addition, the SMOL may provide training on use of machines.
  • The SMOL required, but not limited to, assemble/disassemble machines to determine defects, repairs, replacement and cleaning of parts, as needed.
  • Perform various work tasks which involves receiving, unpacking, inspecting, assembling, breakdown, reworking, packing, and palletizing component parts and finished ammunition. May operate hand or power trucks and tools, while performing tasks to stow, stack or prepare for shipment. Perform all other duties related as assigned or requested.

This role is for you if you have these skills:

  • Good manual dexterity and general good physical condition.
  • Ability to work with small parts
  • Reading and math skills at a level normally acquired through high school education.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • When an employee is working on a job, he or she may be assigned to perform those duties of another classification which he or she is capable of performing except that the time spent in such activity will not exceed fifty percent (50%) of any workweek.
  • At no time shall an employee be assigned duties which he or she has neither the knowledge nor the skill to accomplish or which would compromise his or her personal safety or the safety of others.

And these qualifications:

  • Minimum high school diploma or GED.
  • Prior Sewing experience preferred.
  • Following employment must successfully pass the required training, to include but not limited to being certified to operate forklift and tow motor.
  • Valid ID card.
  • Must be able to successfully background check and drug screen.


In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $34,480- $51,720. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements).


We care about our employee's and it shows!!

Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members!


To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks, with or without a reasonable accommodation:
  • Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery.
  • Balancing (e.g. maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, etc.)
  • Stooping (e.g. bending the spine at the waist)
  • Reaching (e.g. reaching the arms or legs in any direction)
  • Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 15 pounds
  • Walking
  • Repetitive motion of any part of the body
  • Kneeling, crouching or crawling
  • Pushing or pulling (e.g. using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction or in a dragging or hauling motion)
  • Manual Dexterity (e.g. picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses fingers)
  • Grasping (e.g. use of hand to apply pressure)
  • Feeling (e.g. perceiving an object’s size, shape, texture, etc.)
  • Climbing (e.g. ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, pole, etc. using feet and legs and hands/arms to climb)
  • Hearing
  • Talking
  • Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time.
  • Ability to read complex documents in the English language.
  • Capacity to reason and make sound decisions.
  • Ability to write complex documents in the English language.
  • Capacity to express thoughts orally.
  • Expertise in: EXCEL, WORD, CADD (Revit/Bentley)
  • Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest, or other equipment.
  • Ability to regularly perform all job functions at Company’s office or worksite.
  • Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g. extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Talent Acquisition Partner: Takira Traynum

Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity


Day & Zimmermann is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce, where employees are hired, retained, compensated and promoted based on their contributions to our Company. Our collective strength is rooted in over a century of diverse employees and businesses, commitment to success, and delivery on promises made. Federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status and disability status. Day & Zimmermann is committed to providing an equal opportunity work environment in full compliance with these laws. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation in the application process, please email reasonableaccommodation@dayzim.com, and please specify which position you are interested in, including job title and location.

Salary : $34,480 - $51,720

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