Manufacturing Operator

Title: Manufacturing Operator ($22.26/hr)
Classification: Full time/non-exempt
Reports to: Production Manager
Location: St. Charles, MO (MRP)
Date Posted: September 18, 2026


Zoltek is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our manufacturing team as Machine Operators across a variety of production areas.

Job Summary: 
Zoltek is looking for talented and dependable Manufacturing Operators to join our production team.  In this role, you will operate and maintain manufacturing equipment, monitor production processes, and ensure products meet established quality standards. We are seeking individuals who are committed to safety, quality, teamwork, and operation excellence.

Zoltek does not hire individuals who require sponsorship for employment eligibility in the U.S.

Work Schedule: The Manufacturing Operator will work 12.25-hour shifts. The night shift schedule is 7:45 PM to 8:00 AM (7.5%-night differential included in pay), day shift schedule is 7:45 AM to 8:00 PM. The work week is an alternating 36.25 or 49 hours (12-hour shifts rotating on a 2-week cycle: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off) resulting in a 3-day weekend every other week and some built in overtime. (Please indicate your preference/availability for day or night shifts in a message in your application.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Operate, monitor, and assist with the setup of carbon fiber manufacturing equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
Collect, remove, and package product samples for Quality Control testing to help ensure our products consistently meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Prepare finished products for shipment by labeling materials, managing inventory documentation, and safely handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 
Conduct Quality inspections throughout the process to ensure product meet specifications and customer expectations. 
Track production performance and communicate process improvements, equipment concerns, or production variances to support operational excellence. 
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment that promotes efficiency, teamwork, and workplace safety. 
Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety by following environmental, safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. 
Monitor and adjust equipment performance to maximize efficiency, product quality, and production output. 
Collaborate with team members across production, maintenance, and quality functions to achieve operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives. 
Support the success of the manufacturing operation by taking on additional responsibilities and contributing to a culture of teamwork and innovation.

Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or a GED is required
Experience of 1 year or more in manufacturing or a factory environment is strongly desired
Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, read and interpret documents, follow procedures, document information, communicate effectively with shift lead and co-workers
Ability to troubleshoot and take effective corrective action to resolve problems
Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery and assemble product

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
Lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs. from scale and properly close and seal for shipment.
Ability to go up and down stairs to reach work area.
Job involves lifting, turning, twisting, squatting, stoop, crouch, crawl, bending, reaching, pulling, walking and standing for extended periods of time.
Ability to operate a forklift is a plus, not required.

Work Environment:
The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations could be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The atmosphere contains airborne particles, and excessive fly may be present.
Work environment is hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter, not climate controlled
Material is itchy.
·         Employees will be exposed to plant environment, which contains noise, moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
Handling carbon fiber material causes moderate to severe itchiness.

Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.