Production Team Member

About Us

For 25 years, Cricket Forge has created the highest quality artistic metalwork out of our Durham, NC workshop. We are widely recognized for our line of high-quality garden furnishings and sculpture sold across the United States. As a team of professional artists, we also provide full-service design, cutting, fabrication, finishing, and installation services for private clients, architects, and other artists.

Position Summary:

Cricket Forge is looking for a Production Team Member. This is a versatile role designed for individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are eager to work in a dynamic production environment, working primarily with metal. Whether you come from metal fabrication, general manufacturing, art, or are simply passionate about applying skilled trades in a non-traditional way, we welcome your application. The most important qualifications for a top candidate are a strong aptitude for learning technical processes and skills, and a passion for collaboration. Prior experience is a plus, not a limiting requirement. 

In this role, you would contribute to ensuring products are built to proper specifications and meet established standards across multiple production areas. Depending on your background and experience, you might initially focus on areas where you have existing skills – whether that's welding, machine operation, finishing work, or general production support – while receiving training in other production methods. Over time, you'll develop competencies across multiple areas including fabrication, CNC operation, surface preparation, and artistic finishing.

Working in a tight-knit team of fellow artists, the position offers the opportunity to learn and participate in all production phases and processes. At any given time, your particular focus area might shift, depending on the current production demands, team strengths and weaknesses, or schedules. Frequently, the team will come together to complete tasks (examples: team-lifting, re-orienting heavy products during various production stages, moving materials, machine maintenance, brainstorming, process improvement, etc), and you will participate. Types of products, and in some cases the production methods of products, will change seasonally at Cricket Forge, often driven by the artistic instincts and input of the team. As the company grows, your duties could shift, opening up career and personal growth opportunities. Put simply, you’ll never be bored. 

Position Requirements:

• Creative mind with ability to suggest improvement, and solve problems and puzzles as they arise.

• Highly collaborative, with strong communication skills, and comfortable speaking up regularly and respectfully.

• Must exhibit a professional demeanor, creative problem-solving, strong work ethic, and have an excellent attendance record.

• Excellent attention to detail, ability to identify even slight defects in pieces throughout production.

• Strong organization skills in regards to work space, equipment, and storage.

• Mathematical skills: Understanding of fundamental math concepts such as fractions, ratios, and proportions to find practical solutions. Ability to read measurements correctly is critical.

• Strong personal safety practices as well as mindfulness toward the safety of the whole team.

• Motivated to meet daily production schedule goals. 

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.

• Physical capability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds.

Range of Specific Responsibilities:

• Conscientiously fulfill orders by properly selecting parts and materials, sequencing work efficiently to maximize material use and avoid waste

• Prep products for next production phase; lift pieces onto dollies to move to appropriate areas

• Quality control, inspecting pieces for defects at various production stages, ensuring they conform to standards, making appropriate corrections

• Diligent management and upkeep, including cleaning of machines and work areas, and supply and spare parts inventory

• Collaborate and coordinate with team members across all departments, ensuring smooth production flow and correct prioritization and product completion

• Thorough communication in support of production processes, and eagerness to suggest and make improvements where possible

• Team support and awareness, help as needed and where capable with various production processes 

• Review daily schedule requirements to determine priorities

• Receiving supplies, materials, and maintaining inventory

• Light assembly and shipping preparation

• Weld, rivet, or bolt components together via established production methods 

• Participate in occasional onsite or field work

Depending on your skills, experience, and production needs, you may be trained and asked to operate machinery/equipment including but not limited to:

• Fabrication: 

• MIG welder, TIG welder, Plate roller, Bender, Ironworker, Drum Sander, Hydraulic press, Gas forge, Press brake

• Machine Operations: 

• CNC plasma cutter, CNC waterjet cutter, Bandsaw, Router, Scissor lift

• Finishing and Painting: 

• Abrasive shot-blast pot and nozzle, metallizing gun, supplied air system, sandblasting cabinet, air compressors, dust collector, pneumatic grinding tools

• Spray and hand-painting tools, patinas, airbrushing, faux-finishing, buffing, masking and taping

Other Qualifications (not required, but helpful):

• Background in Metal Fabrication or 1+ years of experience in a metal industry-related position

• Proficiency at welding mild steel (95% of our projects use MIG process)

• Experience with CNC systems and processes

• Experience with painting, coating, or finishing techniques

• Proficiency at forklift operation (training can be provided)

• Intermediate computer skills (Windows OS) and comfort operating and learning various software systems (instruction would be provided)

Work Environment

This position is based in a warehouse and manufacturing setting. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to have the following capabilities. In accordance with the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, when practicable.

• Physical demands: Standing for long periods of time, sitting, and walking. Two hands will be used to manipulate and/or touch objects, equipment, or controls. Candidate will be required to stoop, bend, crouch, or reach above the shoulders. Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 75 pounds is also a frequent requirement.
• Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information, which is written in the English language. Ability to write, speak, and listen in a professional manner.
• Visual abilities: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time (32 hour week) position that will start at a rate commensurate with experience.

Schedule:

• 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (lunch 12:30 – 1:00/1:30pm)

• Monday - Thursday

• Fridays may be offered or requested, depending on workload.

Location:

• Durham, NC 27705