Production Operator - Sharpening

Job Location:

Missoula, MT 59808

At Young Innovations, we foster a dynamic environment where team members make an impact every day as part of a collaborative, inclusive culture. Together, we serve the dental profession and their patients, united in our mission of achieving a Lifetime of Oral Health

As a Sharpener, you will play an essential role in the production of high-quality dental hand instruments. Working as part of the production team, you will use precision grinding equipment to sharpen small steel tips to exact design specifications, contributing directly to the overall assembly and product quality. You will collaborate with other production team members throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistent and accurate output.

Young Innovations provides comprehensive training, along with all required safety equipment and personal protective gear (PPE), to ensure your success in the role.

This position involves performing repetitive, detail-oriented tasks each day and requires strong focus, efficiency, and a commitment to accuracy.

• If you like hands-on, skill-based work
• You are interested in or like working with metal work
• If you prefer clear and structured tasks and focused detail-oriented work

• Medium sized company - not too big, not too small - just enough to get things done and see your impact.
• Did we say benefits? Full medical, dental, vision, 401k, parental leave, paid holidays, paid time off, and more!
• A smaller manufacturing site with partnership and engagement0

Production Leads and Supervisors across various departments in production.

• Use grinders and sharpening machines to sharpen steel tips to exact design specifications for all applicable dental hand instruments.
• Perform in-process inspections to verify products meet established criteria.
• Use measuring tools to confirm accuracy per specifications.
• Remove and report incomplete or defective products for quality review.
• Consistently meet or exceed production and efficiency goals while maintaining quality standards.
• Record product production and order details on required forms, batch records, and logs.
• Learn and apply quality processes, procedures, and product knowledge, including related instrument lines.
• Become familiar with ISO, FDA, and other regulatory standards.

• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) applicable to the position.
• Be proactive about personal safety and report potential safety issues to a supervisor.
• Follow all written and verbal instructions and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and perform basic equipment maintenance.

• Work at different workstations as production needs require.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors as part of daily operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

• High school diploma or general education degree (G.E.D); one to three months related experience and/or training is an added bonus.

Manufacturing/Distribution Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing plant environment. The role routinely involves working around machinery, equipment, and moving mechanical parts. The facility may be subject to varying temperatures, loud noise levels, and airborne particles such as dust or chemical fumes, depending on the area of the plant. This role may require periods of standing, sitting, or walking throughout the workday. Occasional bending, lifting, or carrying items up to 50 pounds may…