Single Facer Operator

Smurfit Westrock plc; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical w/ HSA

Mental Health

401(k) with 5% company match

Paid vacation time & holidays

Life Insurance & AD&D

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc in Texas seeks a dedicated Single Facer Operator to safely run the corrugator line, monitor quality, and perform routine maintenance. The role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety policies to minimize waste and downtime while meeting production targets.

You will coordinate with the corrugator team, verify material specs, and document production and quality checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or industrial machine operation experience preferred.
• Corrugator or single facer experience strongly preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and understand production orders, measurements, and machine specifications.
• Basic math skills and ability to use measuring tools.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and assigned shifts based on production needs.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain single facer equipment according to schedules and specs.
• Verify flute type, paper grades, and job requirements before production.
• Monitor machine speed, temperature, pressure, adhesive, and alignment.
• Perform flute cartridge changes and adjustments to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate paper changes and transitions to reduce waste.
• Inspect quality of single-face board and correct defects.
• Follow safety policies, PPE, LOTO, and machine guarding.

Skills

Safety Awareness

Attention to Detail

Mechanical Aptitude

Accountability

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-Solving

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Single Facer Operator

The Opportunity:

Department: Corrugator / Production Position Title: Single Facer Operator Reports To: Corrugator Supervisor / Production Supervisor Location: Corrugated Container Manufacturing Plant

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

The Single Facer Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining the single facer equipment on the corrugator to produce high-quality single-face corrugated board that meets production and customer specifications.

This position requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a strong understanding of machine operations, quality standards, and safety procedures. The operator is expected to identify and correct issues promptly, minimize waste and downtime, and work closely with the corrugator team to maintain efficient production.

What you need to succeed:

1. Machine Operation and Production

• Set up, operate, and monitor the single facer equipment according to production schedules and specification
• Verify flute type, paper grades, roll widths, and other job requirements before production.
• Monitor machine speed, temperature, pressure, adhesive application, and paper alignment.
• Perform flute cartridge changes and machine adjustments as required.
• Coordinate paper changes, splices, and production transitions to minimize downtime and waste.
• Maintain consistent material flow and communicate with the corrugator crew to support production efficiency.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify the supervisor or maintenance department when necessary.

2. Quality Control

• Inspect single-face board throughout production to ensure it meets established quality standards.
• Monitor flute formation, adhesive bonding, paper alignment, and board condition.
• Identify and correct defects such as crushed flutes, poor bonding, wrinkles, and damaged paper.
• Verify proper starch application and monitor adhesive system performance.
• Perform quality checks and document results according to plant procedures.
• Immediately communicate quality issues that could affect finished products.
• Follow procedures for identifying, isolating, and reporting nonconforming material.

3. Safety and Equipment Care

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) and machine guarding requirements.
• Use safe practices when handling paper rolls, working around moving machinery, and performing authorized adjustments.
• Follow established procedures when cleaning starch lines, switching valves, draining systems, and performing washdowns.
• Verify proper valve positioning and flow direction before transferring water or adhesive to prevent contamination.
• Never bypass safety devices or perform work outside authorized training.
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, near misses, and incidents immediately.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards.

4. Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Conduct required pre-shift equipment inspections.
• Monitor machine performance and identify potential mechanical or operational problems.
• Perform authorized routine cleaning, lubrication, and operator-level maintenance.
• Inspect starch lines, valves, rollers, belts, and other accessible components as required.
• Work with maintenance personnel to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Report abnormal machine conditions and document problems appropriately.
• Follow established procedures during machine shutdown, startup, and equipment changeovers.

5. Documentation and Communication

• Complete required production, quality, downtime, and inspection records accurately.
• Communicate operational concerns, equipment issues, and quality defects to the supervisor.
• Provide clear shift-to-shift handoffs regarding machine condition, adjustments, and outstanding issues.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and supervisor directions.
• Participate in training, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or industrial machine operation experience preferred.
• Corrugator or single facer experience strongly preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and understand production orders, measurements, and machine specifications.
• Basic math skills and ability to use measuring tools.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and assigned shifts based on production needs.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Safety Awareness: Consistently follows safety procedures and recognizes potential hazards.
• Attention to Detail: Monitors equipment settings and product quality to prevent defects.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Understands basic machine functions and recognizes abnormal operating conditions.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for following procedures, completing inspections, and reporting issues.
• Communication: Communicates clearly with supervisors, coworkers, maintenance, and quality personnel.
• Teamwork: Supports other corrugator operators and contributes to production goals.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies operating problems and takes appropriate corrective action within authorized limits.
• Reliability: Demonstrates dependable attendance, punctuality, and consistent performance.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a shift.
• Ability to bend, reach, climb approved access platforms, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to lift and handle materials up to plant-established weight limits, using mechanical assistance when required.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with moving machinery, noise, heat, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety footwear.
• Ability to respond appropriately to alarms, operational concerns, and emergencies.

Performance Expectations

The Single Facer Operator is expected to:

• Consistently follow established safety procedures and SOPs.
• Produce material that meets quality specifications.
• Minimize preventable waste, downtime, and machine damage.
• Prevent contamination of starch, water, and adhesive systems through proper procedures.
• Complete required inspections and documentation accurately and on time.
• Communicate production and equipment concerns promptly.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Demonstrate teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Additional Expectations

Employees must perform their responsibilities in accordance with Smurfit Westrock's applicable safety policies, quality standards, operating procedures, and expectations for respectful workplace conduct.

Failure to follow established operating procedures may result in safety incidents, equipment damage, product defects, material contamination, or production losses.

What we offer:

Benefit eligibility begins Day 1

• Benefits include:
• Medical w/ HSA
• Mental Health
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Paid vacation time & holidays
• Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.