Thermoform Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Company Overview

Gemstar Manufacturing® has been a leading manufacturer of custom plastic parts and protective hard cases for over 60 years and operates under two business unit brands. Gemstar Custom Part Solutions is a full-service manufacturer providing solutions to unique custom plastic part needs. Gemstar Protective Hard Cases offers four rugged case lines: Stronghold®, RoboRack®, Sentinel®, and VersaPro®. For more information, visit .

Gemstar Manufacturing is a division of Gemini, Inc., a second-generation, family-owned wholesale manufacturer of dimensional signage.

Gemstar is looking for an experienced Machine Operator to join the team at our location in Cannon Falls, MN! The position is responsible for operating and setting up thermoforming equipment and 5-axis CNC machines to produce precision plastic components according to customer specifications, engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality standards. Under general supervision, you will perform setups, machine adjustments, inspections, material handling, and basic troubleshooting while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.. Come be a part of a positive, people-first culture that is focused on leveraging each team members’ strengths to help bring our customer’s unique products to life.

Wage Range: USD $...per Hour (Posted range is inclusive of an additional 10% shift premium)
Location: Cannon Falls, MN
Type: Full Time – On-site
Schedule: 5/8 hour days 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM (Sunday through Thursday)
-The posted range is inclusive of an additional 10% shift premium for working on 2nd shift.
- Overtime is scheduled as needed.

A day in the life of a Thermoform Machine Operator at Gemstar includes:

• Set up and operate thermoforming machines, molds, vacuum boxes, and related production equipment.
• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC machining equipment for trimming, routing, drilling, and finishing thermoformed parts.
• Load programs, tooling, fixtures, and materials according to work instructions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, CNC programs, work orders, and inspection requirements.
• Adjust machine settings, feeds, speeds, temperatures, and tooling to maintain product quality.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring equipment.
• Identify and correct dimensional, cosmetic, and process-related defects.
• Perform basic machine troubleshooting and routine preventative maintenance.
• Safely handle plastic sheet materials, tooling, molds, and finished components.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, and material records.
• Follow all safety, quality, housekeeping, and production procedures.
• Supports the onboarding of new team members through training and knowledge sharing
• Performs other duties as assigned for the benefit of the group or organization.

Skills and Abilities

• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn machine operation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic ability to operate computers, computer equipment and machine control panels
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing quality parts.
• Ability to perform basic measurements and recognize when a part does not meet specifications.
• Maintains an atmosphere of respect and cooperation with coworkers, supervisors, production personnel, and other departments.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, machine operation, CNC, thermoforming, or related experience preferred.

Physical Demands Summary

• Ability to work safely in a hot, noisy, and physically demanding manufacturing environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, talk, and hear. use hands to handle, feel, finger, or operate objects or tools. reach with hands and arms, and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists.
• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color distinction, ability to adjust focus, and peripheral vision
• Employee may regularly be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work mandatory overtime, including extended hours, weekends, holidays, and/or additional shifts as business needs require.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The actual title and individual compensation packages are dependent upon various factors unique to each candidate including skillset, training, transferable skills, work experience, qualifications, business needs, market demands, and other job-related reasons. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for other benefits.

How we show we care

About Us

As a leader in the signage manufacturing industry, Gemini, Inc. has been providing stability to our employees since 1963. We know what it means to be human, and we strive to make sure our employees feel valued. Due to our incredible family of employees, we have grown substantially and are looking to grow our team further with like-minded individuals that share in our company values: Customer Commitment, Teamwork, Respect, Diversity, Stability, Stewardship. At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful vision: Successful Partners. Engaged People. Thriving Communities. This vision guides how we show up every day for our customers, for one another, and for the communities we call home.