Package Assembly Operator

Ascend Performance Materials; Decatur, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Package Assembly Technician to assemble, supply, and maintain packaging for ADN Synthesis and EHD Reactors. You will follow Standard Work Instructions, inspect materials, and complete checklists to ensure builds meet criteria.

The role emphasizes safety, learning to operate hydraulic, electric and pneumatic equipment, and using cranes. Overtime and potential night shifts are expected, with collaboration across the Package Assembly team under the Area

Qualifications

• Minimum associate degree or high school diploma with Work Keys scores (Locating Information ≥4, Applied Technology ≥3).
• Safety-conscious and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Able to operate hydraulic, electric and pneumatic equipment and cranes.

Responsibilities

• Participates in safety efforts to ensure safety of self and others
• Complies with plant and area safety and environmental requirements
• Operates punch press and Punch/Button Table to build package tops and bottoms
• Operates stacking line and installs edge stripping, covering, and side plates
• Disassembles and decontaminates packages
• Moves Packages with cranes and installs components
• Meets performance goals including housekeeping and hazard recognition
• Audits quality of work and completes required paperwork
• Participates in A2E (Lean/Six Sigma) to improve process performance
• Progresses through predefined job roles within work group

Skills

Safety mindset

Self-motivated

Mechanical aptitude

Learn hydraulic/electric/pneumatic

Crane operation

Teamwork

Decision making

PPE proficiency

Overtime willingness

Night shift readiness

Education

Associate degree

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Punch press

Jib/Overhead cranes

Measurement instruments

Forklift operation

Job description

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers, and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities, we can develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of our customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution with four manufacturing facilities in the United States.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is responsible for assembling, supplying and maintaining the packages for use in the ADN Synthesis and EHD Reactors. This position adheres to Standard Work Instructions, inspects materials, and completes inspection checklist to produce quality packages that meet or exceed build criteria.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

On time and ready to work in area with appropriate PPE at start of shift and actively participates in daily toolbox meeting. Successfully and efficiently complete daily job responsibilities safely and communicate well with Sr. Operators on shift goals/targets. Becomes proficient in all area job tasks with the goal to train to highest level in area. Helps document quality and shift metrics to Sr. Operator. All job tasks are carried out with quality in mind to ensure packages are correctly built for optimal performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates actively in and supports safety efforts to ensure safety of self and others
• Complies with plant and area safety and environmental requirements
• Operates punch press and Punch/Button Table Builds package tops and bottoms ensuring quality of materials and workmanship
• Operates stacking line and installs edge stripping, covering, and side plates
• Disassembles and decontaminates packages
• Operates various stationary cranes to move packages and package parts
• Takes ownership of meeting performance goals including housekeeping, site appearance, and hazard recognition
• Audits quality of work performed
• Completes required paperwork
• Participates in A2E (Lean/Six Sigma) activities to improve process performance
• Progresses through pre-defined job roles within work group

TEAM

Reports to: Area Supervisor Team Members: Package Assembly team and area contractors

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Associate degree OR High School Diploma/GED plus achievement of a 4 or higher in Locating Information and a 3 or higher in Applied Technology Work Keys.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Safety conscious with focus on ZERO safety incidents
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively without direct supervision
• Basic technical skills preferred
• General mechanical aptitude
• Ability to learn operation of hydraulic, electric and pneumatic equipment and forklift.
• Ability to learn and operate jib and overhead cranes
• Demonstrated ability to make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Use hand tools and various measurement system instruments
• Ability to make (Locked Out) Hi-voltage cable connections to packages per established procedures
• Knowledge of quality systems (ISO:9001) and requirements – able to ensure consistency of operations within the established quality system guidelines.
• Ability to wear Full-face Respirator and heavy chemical suit in a possible High Heat environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to climb ladders
• Willingness to accept overtime as needed
• This job will very likely be night shift
• Willingness to join the Emergency Response Team is a Plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequently climb ladders, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach at various levels; and occasionally perform twisting movements. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and demonstrate sufficient hand dexterity, grasping ability, finger movement, vision, hearing, and depth perception to safely perform assigned tasks. Work is performed in an industrial manufacturing environment and may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, frequent temperature changes, high humidity, dry conditions, barometric changes, confined spaces, elevated work areas, noise levels above 80 dB, vibration, moving equipment, mechanical hazards, and potential chemical exposures.

Required personal protective equipment may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hard hats, safety shoes, leg and arm protection, full-body chemical protective clothing, and respiratory protection, including full-face respirators, PAPR, or SCBA as required.

Employees must be able to safely wear and use required PPE, including respiratory protection and chemical suits, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a demanding industrial environment.

About Us

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods.

We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS. Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success. Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.