ZEV Technologies Water Spider/Production Material Hander

JOB DESCRIPTION

Water Spider / Production Material Handler

Pistol/Rifle/Accessories Manufacturing Operations

The Water Spider is a high-visibility, high-impact support role embedded within pistol and rifle manufacturing operations at Precision Arms Manufacturing, Inc. Operating across both firearm product lines, the Water Spider maintains continuous material flow to CNC machining cells, barrel finishing stations, receiver assembly lines, pistol slide and frame assembly areas, and rifle upper/lower assembly stations. By ensuring that every operator has the right components at the right time, the Water Spider eliminates line stoppages, reduces operator walk time, and drives measurable improvements in throughput and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). This role is a cornerstone of our lean manufacturing culture.

Material Replenishment & Milk Runs

• Execute scheduled kanban milk runs throughout pistol and rifle production cells, delivering components including frames, slides, barrels, trigger groups, bolt carrier groups, upper and lower receivers, handguards, buffer systems, stocks, and associated hardware
• Replenish lineside supermarkets, flow racks, and point-of-use bins according to pull signals, min/max levels, or supervisor direction
• Transport sub-assemblies between cells (e.g., machined pistol slides to finishing; finished lowers to upper assembly) on defined internal routes
• Deliver packaging materials, labels, serialization documentation, and consumables to assembly and inspection stations

ATF Compliance & Serialized Component Handling

• Handle serialized firearm components (frames, receivers) in strict compliance with ATF regulations, company SOPs, and chain-of-custody requirements - maintaining accurate records at every transfer point
• Never commingle serialized pistol and rifle components; follow designated segregation and routing protocols for each product line
• Immediately report and quarantine any serialized component with documentation discrepancies, damage, or traceability concerns to supervision and quality

Inventory & Accuracy

• Monitor lineside inventory levels in real time; proactively communicate impending shortages to material planners and supervisors before production impact occurs
• Participate in daily, weekly, and periodic cycle counts; investigate and report count variances
• Maintain accurate transaction records in the ERP/MRP system when scanning, receiving, or transferring components

Changeover & Production Support

• Stage all required materials, tooling kits, fixtures, and work instructions in advance of scheduled product changeovers between pistol and rifle model runs
• Remove outgoing run materials and return to proper storage locations during changeovers to maintain cell cleanliness and minimize next-run setup time

5S, Safety & Housekeeping

• Maintain 5S standards across all material flow lanes, staging areas, supermarkets, and lineside locations on both pistol and rifle lines
• Operate manual and powered material handling equipment (pallet jacks, hand trucks, tuggers, forklifts if certified) in compliance with OSHA standards and site safety policies
• Keep aisles, lanes, and emergency egress paths clear at all times
• Report near-misses, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, or nonconforming materials immediately

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 1 year of experience in manufacturing, production support, warehousing, or material handling
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, router travelers, kanban cards, pick lists, and BOMs
• Basic math skills and ability to perform accurate inventory counts
• Strong sense of urgency, reliability, and attention to detail
• Legally eligible to work in a federally licensed firearms manufacturing facility (see Compliance section)

Preferred:

• Experience in firearms, defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, kanban/pull systems, or JIT material flow
• Forklift or powered industrial truck (PIT) certification
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar)
• Knowledge of firearm components specific to semi-automatic pistols (frame, slide, barrel, trigger group) and semi-automatic/bolt-action rifles (upper, lower, BCG, barrel, stock/chassis)

• Ability to stand, walk, push, and pull throughout an 8–10 hour shift on a hard manufacturing floor
• Regularly lift and carry up to 35 lbs. unassisted; occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. with mechanical assist or team lift
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching overhead, and sustained walking across a large production floor
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle small firearm components without damage
• Ability to work in a facility with moderate-to-high ambient noise; hearing protection required in designated areas

• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in a firearms manufacturing environment under 18 U.S.C. § 922 and applicable state law
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check consistent with ATF Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) requirements and company policy
• Must adhere to all ATF regulations governing the manufacture, transfer, and handling of firearms and serialized components under the company's Type 07 FFL
• Must maintain confidentiality regarding manufacturing processes, production specifications, serialization systems, and facility operations
• Any disqualifying criminal history under the Gun Control Act will preclude employment in this role

This position is performed on the production floor of a licensed Type 07 FFL firearms manufacturing facility producing semi-automatic pistols and semi-automatic/bolt-action rifles. The environment includes exposure to machining noise, cutting fluids, metal components, and industrial equipment. Steel-toed footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other designated PPE are required at all times on the production floor. Some areas may require additional PPE including gloves and high-visibility vests.

This job description conveys the essential functions of the role and does not constitute an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. ZEV Technologies, LLC reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties at any time with or without notice.