Production Technician - Chemical Area (Can Plant)

Envases US Aluminum Division; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Envases Commerce, LLC seeks a Production Technician in the Chemical Area to operate and monitor the Can Washer and pre-treatment systems in a high-speed facility in Waco, TX. You will ensure proper chemical coatings for adhesion and food safety while supporting wastewater tasks as needed.

Qualifications include a HS diploma or GED, 1–2 years in manufacturing, and ability to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 plant. LOTO, chemical handling, and safety compliance are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years in manufacturing, industrial, or warehouse environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude around large, high-speed automated machinery.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to work any shift in a 24/7/365 environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the multi-stage Can Washer (pre-treatment) equipment.
• Test, monitor, and adjust chemical concentrations using titration, conductivity meters, and pH meters.
• Replenish chemical additives to maintain bath specifications.
• Monitor cans through the washer and dry-off oven, clear jams when needed.
• Perform in-process quality checks for adhesion and cleanliness.
• Assist Wastewater Specialist with sampling and pH readings.
• Handle sludge and non-hazardous byproducts with proper labeling.
• Clean and perform basic preventive maintenance on washer equipment.
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues on pumps, valves, and filtration systems.
• Strictly follow safety protocols and PPE usage.
• Record all test results, adjustments, and process parameters in logs.

Skills

Chemical aptitude

Laboratory skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Safety compliance

Rotating shifts

Cross-cultural teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree

4+ years technical manufacturing experience

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Outlook

Google Workspace

Pumps & valves

Filtration equipment

pH meters

Job description

Brief Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art can-making technology, this high speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities. The Production Technician in the Chemical Area is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and control of the high-speed Can Washer and Pre-treatment Systems. This role ensures that aluminum can bodies are thoroughly cleaned and receive the correct chemical conversion coating necessary for optimal adhesion of internal and external lacquers, which is critical for food safety and product quality. This position may also assist with basic Wastewater Treatment (WWT) operations.

Essential Job Functions

CHEMICAL PROCESS OPERATION AND CONTROL

• Washer Operation: Operate and monitor the multi-stage Can Washer (pre-treatment) equipment, including temperature controls, spray nozzles, and conveyor systems.
• Chemical Management: Accurately monitor, test, and adjust chemical concentrations (e.g., degreasing agents, conversion coatings, pH buffers) in the washer baths using titration, conductivity meters, and laboratory instruments.
• Replenishment: Calculate and accurately replenish chemical additives to maintain required bath specifications, ensuring efficient use of resources and consistent coating quality.
• Process Flow: Monitor the flow of cans through the washer and dry-off oven, quickly identifying and clearing jams or equipment blockages.
• Quality Checks: Perform frequent in-process quality checks, such as water break tests and adhesion tests, to ensure the cans are properly cleaned and coated before moving to the decorator.

WASTEWATER SUPPORT

• Basic Monitoring: Assist the Wastewater Specialist by performing routine monitoring and sampling of the industrial wastewater treatment (WWT) system, including taking pH readings and logging flow data.
• Sludge Handling: Participate in the handling, dewatering, and proper labeling of waste sludge and other non-hazardous byproducts from the washing and treatment processes.

MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY

• Cleaning and PM: Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance (PM) on the washer equipment, including cleaning spray headers, replacing filters, and removing accumulated sludge.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve minor mechanical issues related to the washer, pumps, and chemical feed systems.
• Safety & Handling: Strictly adhere to all safety protocols regarding the handling, storage, and disposal of industrial chemicals, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following spill containment procedures.
• Documentation: Accurately record all chemical test results, adjustments, process parameters, and safety checks on shift logs and in computerized systems.

SAFETY AND HOUSEKEEPING

• Safety Procedures: Strictly adhere to all plant safety rules, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, machine guarding protocols, and safe handling of lubricants and chemicals.
• Work Area Organization: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment around the production lines and equipment.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in team meetings and initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, and efficiency.

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or warehouse environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working around large, high-speed automated machinery.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours).
• Willingness to work any shift in a 24/7/365 continuous manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• A Technical degree or the equivalent experience, defined as greater than 4 years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment
• 2 or more years of production experience in a high-speed manufacturing setting, including at least 1 year of mechanical experience

General Skills/Experience

• Chemical Aptitude: Basic working knowledge of chemical principles, concentration calculations, and safe chemical handling practices.
• Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in performing basic laboratory tests, such as titrations and using pH meters.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to maintaining precise chemical concentrations and adhering to detailed process specifications.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on pumps, valves, and filtration equipment.
• Safety Focus: Unwavering commitment to safety procedures, especially LOTO and chemical handling.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and overtime, as required.
• Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds

Software/Computer Skills & Experience

• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Work, Excel, Outlook, Google Workspace, and web-site software

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Environmental & Physical Factors

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job; Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Hours / Special Conditions

12 hour rotating shifts 4 days on and 4 days off; Rotating shifts requires working night shifts; Present to fulfill job duties & meet operational demands/support; Schedule may vary depending on plant operational needs thus flexibility is required which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime; Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position

Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.