Injection Operator Lead

Niagara Water•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Injection Operator Lead performs tasks requiring knowledge of injection processes and is responsible for day-to-day operations of PET and HDPE injection equipment and auxiliary equipment. The role includes preparing, setting up, starting, and operating injection equipment; conducting checks and minor adjustments as directed; maintaining production, quality, and destruction logs; and helping ensure production meets company quality standards. Mechanical work may not be performed without prior approval. The lead communicates shift updates, conducts safety, housekeeping, and quality walkthroughs, supports production reporting, and coaches and trains injection team members. They identify and report quality defects and unsafe conditions, troubleshoot minor production equipment issues, and collaborate with maintenance as necessary. The role may require working across production areas with minimal supervision and performing relief duties. The position requires regular and predictable attendance and the ability to work 12-hour day or night shifts on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Niagara describes itself as a beverage manufacturer focused on providing high-quality affordable beverages and creating opportunities for team members.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment.
At least 4 years of experience in the position.
Experience operating multiple manufacturing machines; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to work 12-hour day or night shifts on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule.
Ability to follow safety practices, including safe lifting, safe machine operation, and use of required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

6 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment.
6 years of experience working in the position.
6 years of experience managing people or projects; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Associate's degree.

Responsibilities

Communicate with the previous shift about injection-line challenges and opportunities to prepare for the shift.
Conduct walkthroughs throughout the shift to verify safety, housekeeping, and quality compliance.
Support Production Supervisors with end-of-shift production reports.
Coach, mentor, and train injection team members.
Prepare, set up, start, and operate injection equipment.
Perform minor adjustments to injection equipment as directed; do not perform mechanical work without prior approval.
Accurately complete and update injection preform and/or cap daily logs, destruction logs, quality forms, and other required records.
Recognize unsafe conditions and actions, follow plant safety rules and safe lifting and machine-operation practices, and use required personal protective equipment.
Perform visual and mechanical quality checks to ensure production meets quality standards.
Maintain housekeeping in production areas, including break rooms and restrooms.
Identify PET, recycled PET, and HDPE resins and parts suitable for grinding and reintroduction to the resin system.
Maintain quality requirements, complete inspection sheets accurately, and immediately recognize and report quality defects.
Work in multiple production areas with minimal supervision and perform relief duties when required.
Troubleshoot minor production equipment issues and collaborate with the maintenance team as necessary.
Use computer systems such as Shotscope, Electric80, and Ignition.
Understand line flow and the manufacturing process to maximize throughput.
Communicate issues clearly and concisely and maintain regular, predictable attendance.

Benefits

Paid time off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical coverage, including virtual care options.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling sessions for team members and household family members.
Family Building Benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation, plus adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursements.
Income protection, including Life and AD&D, short- and long-term disability, critical illness, and accident plans.
Special discount programs, including pet plans, prepaid legal services, identity theft protection, car rental, and airport parking.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.