Operations Specialist Assistant

Nebraska Aluminum Castings

Hastings, Nebraska

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$20–$28
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Casting, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Create Graphs, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Detail Oriented, Die Casting, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), English Language, Establish Priorities, High School Diploma, Identify Issues, Industrial Engineering, Industry Standards, Interpersonal Skills, Lean Manufacturing, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Metal Manufacturing, Microsoft Excel, Multilingual, OSHA, Operational Support, Operations, Operations Management, Organizational Development/Management, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Physical Demands, Pivot Chart, Pivot Tables, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Production Control, Production Support, Production Systems, Quality Control, Quality Metrics, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Resolve Customer Issues, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Six Sigma, Spanish Language, Team Player, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Hastings, Nebraska
POSTED
15 days ago
Job Summary:
We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive **Operations Data 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 a plus.
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.
  • 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!

About the Company

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Nebraska Aluminum Castings