Job Title: Production Operator
Location: Houston Texas 77091
Schedule: 1st shift Monday- Friday, 6am-2:30pm; some Saturdays when needed
Pay Rate: $16/hr
Job Overview
We are seeking a dependable Production Operator to support daily operations in a heavy manufacturing environment. This position performs a variety of production tasks, including tank washing, material coordination, batch making, product filling, and milling or grinding. The operator is responsible for following established procedures, meeting production targets, maintaining product quality, and ensuring safe operation of production equipment. This role requires flexibility to work across multiple production areas as trained and as business needs require.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate production equipment safely and according to established procedures and guidelines.
- Complete daily production tasks, preventative maintenance activities, process data collection, and required documentation.
- Monitor production targets while maintaining quality standards.
- Report safety, quality, and production concerns to the Team Leader or Shift Supervisor.
- Submit corrective action requests (CARs) or hazard reports when issues are identified.
- Provide production updates to the Team Leader or Shift Supervisor.
- Participate in safety and quality investigations, including customer complaints and rejected batches.
- Contribute to continuous improvement programs focused on safety, quality, and production performance.
- Follow applicable site policies, environmental requirements, and product safety procedures.
Production Area Responsibilities
Tank Washing
- Clean portable tanks, valves, filters, pumps, and related equipment using approved cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Operate automated tank washing equipment and pressure washers.
- Complete housekeeping duties and maintain clean production areas.
- Perform additional production tasks as needed.
Pre-Kit / Material Coordination
- Maintain organized storage of raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods.
- Obtain and stage materials needed for batch makers, adjusters, tinters, and fill-off operators.
- Operate and inspect forklifts as needed to move materials and complete required inspection documentation.
- Return unused materials to their proper storage locations.
- Move empty containers to designated disposal or reconditioning areas.
- Assist fill-off operators with obtaining appropriate containers.
- Transport finished goods to shipping and place intermediates and overages in designated storage areas.
- Move full hazardous waste containers to the designated accumulation area and ensure they are labeled and dated.
- Maintain clean and organized yard and storage areas.
- Remove trash and rags from the building at the end of the shift.
Fill-Off Operations
- Transfer approved products into appropriate containers ranging from 1-quart cans to tankers.
- Measure or weigh product accurately to meet batch yield requirements.
- Inspect filled containers for leaks and ensure all openings are properly secured.
- Complete batch tickets, label containers, and number them in the order filled.
- Stage approved and documented containers for shipment.
- Clean pumps, tanks, filter housings, hoses, and related equipment.
- Properly dispose of filters and label and stage cleaning materials in designated areas.
- Maintain housekeeping standards and follow fill-off and safety procedures.
Batch Making
- Add raw materials in the sequence specified on batch tickets.
- Weigh and measure materials accurately to ensure batch consistency and yield.
- Coordinate sample testing with Quality Control and make adjustments as instructed.
- Maintain housekeeping standards in the work area.
- Assist with fill-off and tank washing duties as needed after training.
Milling / Grinding Operations
- Operate machine controls to maintain specified flow rates and temperature limits.
- Set up pump systems to transfer materials between vessels.
- Set up, operate, break down, and clean milling equipment.
- Select appropriate media and screens for production requirements.
- Inspect equipment for wear and use designated wear-indicator tools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Lockout/Tagout/Tryout procedures.
- Perform grind checks and use fineness-testing equipment.
- Understand color development and support product quality requirements.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Prior manufacturing experience.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow safety instructions and operating procedures.
- Ability to read and apply product labels accurately.
- Ability to measure and weigh materials accurately.
- Ability to pass a forklift test and obtain forklift certification.
- Ability to operate a forklift safely and efficiently.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, multitask, and balance competing priorities.
- Strong commitment to workplace safety.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working in a paint manufacturing facility.
- Basic Microsoft Office skills.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Work in a heavy manufacturing environment with potential exposure to chemical agents. Work in hot and cold conditions and inclement weather. Stand and walk for extended periods. Climb stairs while wearing steel-toed footwear. Lift and handle 5-gallon pails weighing up to 75 lbs. and 60-lb. bags of pigment. Maneuver drums weighing up to 600 lbs. Lift metal objects weighing up to 40 lbs. to a height of approximately 5 feet. Maintain arm and hand steadiness and have the near vision needed to read labels and inspect details. Speak and understand English for workplace communication and safety instructions.