Operator, Lead - Blend Department

Kymera International; Brassfield (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kymera International in Durham, NC, seeks a Lead in the Blend Department to oversee daily copper powder blending operations, ensure safety, quality, and on-time production, and provide hands-on leadership to blending operators.

You will coordinate tasks, monitor equipment, review batch records, enforce PPE and 5S, and drive continuous improvement with QA and maintenance teams.

The role requires 3–5 years in manufacturing with supervisory experience; associate degree preferred, HS diploma required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of manufacturing experience required.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in powder metallurgy or metal powder handling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Lead and coordinate daily blending operations to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
• Monitor workflow and equipment utilization to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Coordinate sampling and testing activities with Quality Assurance personnel.
• Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure traceability of raw materials and finished blends.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Powder handling

Batch records

Leadership

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Associate degree (Manufacturing/Engineering/Industrial Technology)

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory software

Job description

Kymera - RTP, 2601 Weck Drive, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Kymera International - Specialty Materials that Shape the Future

Operator, Lead - Blend Department

Reports to: Shift Supervisor
Work Location: Production - Blend
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Blend Department Lead is responsible for overseeing daily blending operations within the copper powder manufacturing process. This role ensures that powder blending activities are performed safely,efficiently, and in accordance with quality specifications, production schedules, and established operating procedures. The Blend Department Lead provides hands-on leadership, coordinates employee activities,monitors equipment performance, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and participate in incident investigations.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to metal powderhandling.
• Support housekeeping standards and 5S initiatives throughout the department.
• Lead and coordinate daily blending operations to meet production schedules and customerrequirements.
• Assign work tasks and priorities to blending operators.
• Monitor workflow and equipment utilization to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Ensure accurate execution of blend formulas, batch sheets, and work instructions.
• Communicate production status, challenges, and priorities to supervisors and management.
• Verify adherence to blend specifications and quality standards.
• Review batch documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinate sampling and testing activities with Quality Assurance personnel.
• Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure traceability of raw materials and finished blends.
• Monitor blending equipment performance and report maintenance needs.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance activities with the maintenance department.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to minimize production interruptions.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance product quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Verify availability of raw materials for scheduled production.
• Ensure accurate material handling, storage, and inventory transactions.
• Monitor material usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste.
• Coordinate with warehouse and production planning personnel.
• Other duties as tasked by site leadership.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Train, mentor, and develop blending operators.
• Provide daily coaching and performance feedback.
• Assist with onboarding of new employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in performance evaluations and disciplinary processes as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of manufacturing experience required.
• Previous experience in powder metallurgy, metal powder processing, chemical processing, or blending operations preferred.
• Prior leadership, lead operator, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Possess Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance to support production schedules and operational requirements.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Knowledge of powder handling and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret batch records, production schedules, and work instructions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP, inventory, and manufacturing software systems.
• Ability to operate forklifts, hoists, and material handling equipment as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, noise, andvarying temperatures.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators when necessary.

Kymera International is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Kymera International is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law in the countries where we operate.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process for qualified individuals with disabilities or other protected needs, in accordance with applicable law.