MFG ONBOARDING & TRAINING SPCL - Human Resources - Springfield MO

The Manufacturing Onboarding & Training Specialist is responsible for developing and delivering hands-on onboarding experience for new production coworkers within our manufacturing environment. This role ensures new coworkers receive the basic technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to become safe, productive, and engaged.

During the onboarding process, this position provides a structured blend of classroom and hands-on training covering core manufacturing fundamentals. Including but not limited to: blueprint reading, basic welding and grinding techniques, material handling, quality expectations, and standard manufacturing processes. Following completion of the onboarding program, this position will continue to support coworkers through regular production floor check-ins, coaching, and problem resolution to promote successful integration and long-term retention.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the manufacturing onboarding program for new manufacturing personnel.

• Deliver both classroom and hands-on instruction covering:

• Manufacturing 101

• Basic Welding

• Basic Grinding & Metal Finishing

• Basic Overhead Crane & Rigging

• Forklift training

• Other training as developed through continuous improvement efforts

• Demonstrate manufacturing processes while ensuring coworkers safely perform required tasks.

• Evaluate trainee progress and provide constructive coaching throughout the onboarding program.

• Adjust training methods to accommodate different learning styles and experience levels.

• Monitor coworker performance and readiness for transition into production, including qualification testing and documentation to support readiness.

• Coordinate with production management to ensure coworkers are fully prepared for placement within business units.

• Identify skill gaps and develop targeted improvement plans.

• Provide ongoing coaching and reinforcement of manufacturing best practices.

• Conduct scheduled production floor rounding with recently onboarded coworkers.

• Meet individually with new coworkers to assess their transition into production.

• Identify barriers affecting productivity, quality, engagement, or confidence.

• Partner with production management to resolve concerns and provide additional training as needed.

• Document follow-up discussions and communicate trends to leadership as needed.

• Maintain accurate training records and coworker progress documentation.

• Assist in developing and improving training curriculum and materials, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.

• Complete program assessments with new coworkers and production management and recommend enhancements to the onboarding program based on this feedback.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to coworker development and retention.

• Work closely with production management and other support resources (i.e. Human Resources, Quality, Safety, Operations Support, etc.) to ensure consistent training and coworker success.

• Collaborate with peers of new coworkers onboarding frequently to ensure success of training programs.

• Foster a positive learning environment that encourages engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Travel to the other facilities as needed to support the team and processes.

• Valid driver's license.

• Regular, in-person attendance due to necessary teamwork and personal interactive nature of this position.

• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

• Ability to read mechanical drawings and technical specifications.

• Experience with technologies and best practices across multiple platforms.

• Ability to work well under pressure and manage time effectively, in a constantly changing environment.

• Ability to take initiative to develop new strategies and outside-the-box ideas.

• Ability to efficiently utilize Microsoft Office.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Competencies)

• Strong knowledge of basic manufacturing processes including welding, grinding, and metal finishing.
• Knowledge of safe materials handling practices including crane operations and forklift usage.
• Strong ability to deliver structured training to new coworkers in a clear and consistent manner
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills for engagement with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to evaluate coworker competency and identify performance gaps.
• Working knowledge of Learning Management System for training tracking and documentation.
• Ability to interpret training standards and apply them consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and observation skills for production rounding activities.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in creating technical training programs preferred.
• OSHA or prior safety training experience preferred.
• Prior experience in training, onboarding, or development of others preferred.
• Experience with industrial safety training (crane, rigging, forklift) preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma White Belt or Yellow Belt required or ability to obtain within first year via company training.

Base Compensation Range: $59,159 - $88,739 annually

Variable Compensation Range: Incentive bonus eligibility up to 12% of gross annual salary base on company performance.

Health and Ancillary Benefit Overview:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with low employee premiums
• Free off-site medical clinic
• Company paid Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
• 401k - Employer match of up to 4.0% for coworker contributions of 8.0% or more
• Company covers tuition costs up to $5,250.00 annually, contingent on course completion and grades
• Paid Time Off and Sick, Family & Parental Paid Time Off
• Ten (10) Paid Holidays
• Four-day work weeks, varied shifts, and flexible remote work options depending on position
• Career progression program for advancement
• Free in-house welding, grinding & machine operation school
• In-house training program

Working Conditions

Manufacturing shop environment. Exposure to conditions, such as: dust, fumes, noise and high-degree varying seasonal temperatures. Machinery with energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or other energy.

Apply Now

Applicants for Paul Mueller Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Paul Mueller Company is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran

If you are interested in applying and need assistance or have questions, please call 417-575-9000.