Operator Associate I

Novolex; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 25,185 - 35,869; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Novolex is hiring a Thermoforming Operator in Kalamazoo. You will operate thermoforming and related machinery, following process instructions and product specs to maintain quality and uptime.

The role requires reading equipment manuals, understanding metric measurements, and working from a 2‑2‑3 schedule with 12‑hour shifts. Starting pay is $22.16/hr with $1 shift differential; benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance.

Qualifications

• Experience operating thermoforming machinery or similar plastic molding equipment.
• Ability to read and understand equipment manuals and diagrams.
• Ability to read metric measurements and understand process sheets.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment according to process instructions to produce quality parts.
• Maintain a safe, clean and friendly work environment.
• Interpret SPC data and adjust within control limitations.
• Identify and troubleshoot machine issues and document downtimes.
• Assist in training IPs and other personnel.

Skills

Thermoforming machinery

Safety awareness

Inventory control

Data entry / SPC

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

Thermoforming Operator | Kalamazoo | HIRING IMMEDIATELY at our Manchester Road location

Do you have experience working as a Thermo Operator, Machine Operator, Plastic Molding Machinery? We want you on our TEAM!!!

Position Description:

Operates production equipment according to process instructions, shop floor control, and product specification sheets in order to produce a quality product. Leads the activities on assigned line(s) and is responsible to maintain a safe and well‑kept area. Works closely with other members of the team to assure a cooperative and friendly atmosphere with regard to the daily activities of production.

Compensation:

• Starting Pay at $22.16/hr + $1/hr shift differential paid weekly
• Eligible for pay for skill program to increase pay as you gain skills

Available Shifts: 5:30‑5:30 on a 2‑2‑3 Schedule DAYS AND NIGHT SHIFT AVAILABLE Schedule:

• Week 1: Monday(work), Tuesday(work), Wednesday(OFF), Thursday(OFF), Weekend(work) 48 hours
• Week 2: Monday(OFF), Tuesday(OFF), Wednesday(work), Thursday(work), Weekend(OFF) 36 hours
• Week 3: Monday(work), Tuesday(work), Wednesday(OFF), Thursday(OFF), Weekend(work) 48 hours
• Week 4: Monday(OFF), Tuesday(OFF), Wednesday(work), Thursday(work), Weekend(OFF) 36 hours and so on

Key Job Requirements:

• Maintain safe, clean and friendly work environment
• Ensure that customer requirements are met or exceeded
• Follow guidelines of sampling procedures and input of data to SPC system
• Interpret SPC data and make necessary adjustments within the process control limitations
• Operate and adjust machines within process limitations as directed that will produce various plastic parts, maintaining optimum machine operating efficiency and uptime
• Identify and troubleshoot needed repairs of machinery and utilize follow‑up procedures of reporting
• Effectively generate breakdown work orders and document other related downtimes
• Work closely with process technician and other support staff to assure maximum quality levels and machine uptime
• Monitor all blending equipment for proper and continuous feed operation to production line(s)
• Assist in the training of supporting IP’s and other personnel
• Ability to read and understand equipment manuals and diagrams
• Ability to read and understand metric system measurements
• Analyze and troubleshoot problem areas
• Ability to work in fast‑paced environment
• Supply cartons and bags to the Production
• Move boxes of finished product from conveyor to trailers or other staging areas
• Remove unused and scrap packaging materials from the line and transport them to the Middle warehouse for storage or recycling
• Ability to accurately control inventory throughout the entire process
• Other duties as necessary

Communication/Teamwork:

• Ability to communicate effectively and work closely and productively as part of a cross‑functional team
• Ability to create and/or exhibit an atmosphere of openness, honesty, trust and teamwork
• Demonstrates ability to accurately post data from one source to another in ERP or peripheral software systems
• Ability to effectively report shift activities

Safety:

• Demonstrates ability to understand and actively participate in all company safety programs, policies and procedures
• Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of safe equipment operation
• Demonstrates ability to operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner

Technical Knowledge:

• Demonstrates ability to perform Root Cause Analysis, implement corrective action and understand cause and effect
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of process sheets and allowable adjustments
• Demonstrates ability for ongoing cooperation with Maintenance Dept. regarding equipment operation and needed repairs

Quality/Housekeeping:

• Ability to develop and maintain processes that are ISO compliant
• Ability to be a self‑starter and work independently
• Can demonstrate ability to maintain work area in clean, safe order
• Can demonstrate proper procedure used to grind scrap plastic for reuse
• Demonstrates ability to perform quality checks per procedure
• Demonstrates ability to sort out‑of‑spec product for regrind

Training:

• Demonstrates ability to ensure trainees follow established procedures in absence of trainer

Operate Equipment:

• Can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of thermoforming machinery and company specific products being manufactured
• Can demonstrate a good working knowledge of the properties of plastics
• Can demonstrate ability to appropriately install dies onto machine, according to work order specifications, using clamps, bolts, and hand tools
• Can demonstrate proper procedure used to activate machine to close dies and inject plastics into dies to cast part
• Can demonstrate ability to read specifications to determine set‑up and prescribed temperature and time settings to mold or cast plastic materials
• Ability to operate thermoforming and/or blending equipment and peripherals
• Ability to operate motorized equipment and other peripheral equipment safely and efficiently as required

Efficiency:

• Ability to maintain optimum machine efficiencies and up time
• Ability to set machine controls to regulate molding temperature, volume of plastics, molding pressure and time according to procedures
• Ability to meet or exceed performance standards and continuously improve upon them

Inspection:

• Demonstrates attention to detail focusing on accuracy.
• Demonstrates ability to accurately identify differences between major & minor defects
• Inspect and enter mold shot every 60‑90 minutes

Product Knowledge:

• Demonstrates knowledge of FK products and materials and can differentiate between them

Organization:

• Demonstrates ability to be a self‑starter and work independently to complete assignments/responsibilities
• Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize workload as required

Problem Solving:

• Ability to think openly and be a good listener to decipher information and come to resolution.

Inventory Control/Management:

• Can demonstrate ability to accurately count, weigh, and record number of units of materials moved or handled, using daily production sheet or work ticket
• Can demonstrate ability to control or tend conveyor systems that move materials to/from departments
• Can demonstrate proper techniques used to arrange materials/items in specified sequence for assembly and/or distribution
• Demonstrates ability to safely load and unload materials to/from designated storage areas such as racks and shelves, or vehicles such as trucks
• Demonstrates ability to set up and inspect equipment, and make simple adjustments (Greenville only)
• Demonstrates ability to accurately post data from one source to another in ERP or peripheral software systems (Greenville only)

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three to five years of previous mechanical and or technical experience in a related manufacturing setting
• Basic computer skills
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Acceptable score acquired on the Fabri‑Kal Corporation mechanical aptitude test
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Basic computer knowledge
• Work with little to no supervision

ADA – Essential Functions:

• Must be able to work a 12‑hour shift, standing and walking for extended periods
• Climb
• Heed safety warnings, devices and alarms.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing:

• Lift and carry products weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Possess an adequate ability to do problem solving and establish cause and effect relationships in an office and/or manufacturing environment.

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well‑being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well‑being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company’s application process should contact [e-mail].