Flexible Materials Fabrication Operator, EMI/RFI & Thermal Seals

What if your next shift directly supported aircraft, medical devices, and sensitive electronics? At American Flexible Products (AFP) in Chaska, MN, you’ll convert advanced materials into precise gaskets and components that keep critical systems performing—on a consistent second-shift schedule, Monday–Thursday, 3:30pm–2:00am.

Our Mission

AFP is a leader in custom conversion of foam, sponge, rubber, EMI/RFI shielding, and other flexible materials. For more than 35 years, we’ve solved gasketing, bonding, vibration dampening, thermal management, and conductivity challenges across industries. We’re AS9100-registered and ITAR-registered, and a Preferred Converter for 3M and Rogers Corporation—leveraging 3M adhesives, VHB tapes, and ROGERS PORON and BISCO Silicones to deliver reliable results. As a 100% employee-owned team, we bring owner-level care to every order.

How You’ll Contribute

Picture your first hour: you review specs and blueprints, verify materials, and set up die cutting presses, a laminator, or CNC tools like Chieza, Preco, Zund, or Water-jet. You dial in parameters, confirm first-article quality, and begin the run. Throughout the shift, you monitor speeds, coordinate with support teams for changeovers, and address any material or machine issues—capturing accurate production and material usage data in our ERP as you go.

Key Accountabilities

• Safely set up, operate, and monitor production equipment to meet quality standards.
• Meet throughput goals by managing run speeds, setup times, and cross-department coordination.
• Partner with maintenance, quality, and planning to resolve mechanical issues, report defective materials, and plan job preps and changeovers, including clear shift communication.
• Troubleshoot raw material and equipment problems and implement corrective actions.
• Record production functions and material usage in ERP in real time.
• Participate actively in all safety trainings and adhere to safety rules at all times.
• Maintain an organized, clean work area and equipment.
• Assist other production areas with comparable tasks when needed.

Capabilities & Background

• High School Diploma or equivalent; machine operation experience in manufacturing is preferred.
• Self-driven team contributor; quick to learn and proactive in meeting production needs.
• Comfort working independently with moderate problem-solving and decision-making.
• Solid basic math; able to read and interpret blueprints.
• Mechanically inclined, production-minded, and detail-focused.
• Ready to apply experience and expand your skills.

Systems, Communication & Tools

• Basic computer proficiency and ERP familiarity; Epicor is a plus.
• English fluency (read, write, speak); able to interpret safety, operating, and maintenance documentation and communicate clearly with teammates and leaders.

Physical Demands & Workplace

• Extended standing; strong hand/eye coordination.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs; available for overtime as needed.
• Production floor with moving machinery in a temperature-controlled environment; moderate noise level.

Strengths That Elevate Performance

• Troubleshooting Skills
• AS9100 Quality Systems
• Metal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Inspection
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
• Blueprint Reading

Equipment & Technologies

• Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
• CNC Laser Cutter
• CNC Waterjet
• Waterjet Cutting Machine
• Slitter Machine
• Calipers and Micrometers

Accessibility

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.