Process Operator

Altana AG; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Altana AG in New York is seeking a Process Operator to set up and run insulation processing and fabrication equipment. You will handle kiss coaters, presses, slitters, ovens, and related systems, ensuring materials are prepared and processed to specification.

The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork, with responsibilities including equipment adjustment, material handling, and keeping a clean, organized work area. The job may require shift work, including nights or weekends.

Qualifications

• Must have basic mechanical skills and be able to read and follow work instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Experience in manufacturing is preferred.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate processing equipment for insulation materials.
• Monitor and adjust equipment settings for quality.
• Assist in handling materials and equipment setup.
• Maintain cleanliness and safe working conditions.
• Support in loading, setup, and operation of complex equipment under supervision.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Reading work instructions

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Your responsibilities

The Process Operator is required to set up and operate and/or assist in operation of processing and fabrication equipment on a variety of insulating materials.

• Set and operate all insulation processing equipment such as: kiss coater, form press, 1196 press,1040 treater, slitters, saws, sanders, molds, shaper, orient machine, ovens, process boilers. Occasionally operate equipment normally operated by a lower rated operator.
• Set up shears and punch presses for lower rated operators.
• Material handling and storage equipment, hand tools, measuring and testing equipment personal protective equipment.
• Flake Mica,Mica mat, varnish, glass cloth, paper, Mylar, cotton cloth, wrapping paper, masking tape, recording charts, filter paper, caustic water solvents, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, polyethylene, polyester resins, varnish, catalysts, silicone oil, hi-temperature grease, hydraulic oil, wrench, glass string, downtherm oil, mica mush.
• Direct activities of one helper, on occasion two
• Working from schedules, batch cards, standing instructions, process instructions, etc. obtain materials and supply equipment by such things as setting up drums with pumps, mounting rolls, setting valves, filling troughs, etc. Set-up machines by such things as setting gaps, leveling rolls, setting speeds and temperatures, threading materials, and positioning charts and setting tensions, etc.
• Leveling rolls, setting speeds and temperatures, threading materials, and positioning charts and setting tensions, etc.
• Working from schedules batch cards, process sheets, etc. set up and operate equipment such as slitters , saws, sanders, presses, etc. to slit, sand, mold form etc.
• Perform such operations as mounting rolls, scribing patterns, spacing knives, setting gaps and temperatures, forming patterns, etc.
• Observe operations closely and adjust tensions, temperatures, pressures , etc. as required, by manipulating levers ,wheels, valves, push buttons, etc.
• Check material for defects, suitability for forming thicknesses, adjusting or rejecting as indicated.
• Start equipment, including auxiliary ventilating and vacuum systems. Interleave additional materials as required.
• Synchronize speed and begin run.
• Observe operations closely making adjustments as needed to such as tensions, temperatures, speeds, rolls speeds, gaps, etc.
• Test or take material to lab for test.
• Adjust again as needed to meet requirements, integrating variables to achieve proper results.
• Supply materials by weighing and/or mixing such things as powdered resins, catalysts, varnishes and thinners , preparing lay ups, threading machine,filling troughs, mounting rolls, etc.
• Set up equipment by such things as setting gaps, position dies, setting temperatures etc.
• Operate equipment using such things as valves , push buttons, levers, etc. including starting auxiliary ventilating and vacuum systems to mix, coat, bake, dry, etc. Follow cycles and observe operations closely making adjustments to speeds, feeds, dies etc. as required to
  correct bare spots, wrinkles, tears, etc.
• Test product or take for test and adjust as required.
• Work may consist of assisting in loading, setting up, operating and unloading more complex equipment under some direction of higher rated operator.
• Perform all operations to ordinary tolerance within ordinary limits of capability for facilities on
  a variety of insulation materials such as resins, rubbers, tapes, mica sheet and mica rolls,textotile, glass cloth, mica mat, coated cloth, paper etc.
• Keep facilities, materials, and work area orderly exercising care in their use, perform routine cleaning and maintenance of
  equipment, maintaining general good housekeeping practices and conforming to all safety andquality requirements.

Your profile

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
• Ability to read and understand work instructions, safety procedures, and production documents
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights or weekends, as needed
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety