Machine Operator 1 - 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift

Otter Tail Corporation Careers•Clearwater, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

T.O. Plastics is hiring a Machine Operator 1 to perform production operations in a manufacturing environment. The operator monitors machine performance, completes basic quality checks, identifies quality issues, and operates production lines with minimal assistance. The role includes starting and setting up inline machines, completing roll changes, troubleshooting basic forming, trimming, and punching problems, and making supported adjustments to machine temperature or speed. Operators are expected to be proficient on at least 50% of production lines and able to keep up with faster lines and more complex operations. The position also involves maintaining production, inventory, and quality paperwork; verifying line materials against the Bill of Materials; identifying and routing scrap material correctly; training new Packers; and assisting with mechanical maintenance as needed. The operator follows safety procedures, including authorized Lockout/Tagout practices, maintains clean work areas, and reports unsafe conditions, behaviors, or incidents. Other duties may be assigned by the lead, supervisor, or manager. The job is based in a well-lit manufacturing environment with potential exposure to flying dust and debris, burnt-plastic odors, loud equipment, and temperatures ranging from below zero to 110°F. Employees must wear required personal protective equipment and be able to perform physical tasks throughout the shift, including lifting, carrying, climbing short ladders, and standing or walking.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous manufacturing experience or familiarity with manufacturing equipment required.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices, standard operating procedures, and product specifications.
Ability to read, write, and speak basic English to understand work instructions and communicate job information.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work with different applications and formats.
Basic mathematics skills, including counting and the four basic operations; ability to perform job-related calculations.
Ability to read prints and perform calculations needed for job setup and production to specifications.
Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, indicators, and scales, and interpret fractional, decimal, or metric measurements.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a professional, positive, and constructive manner.
Detail orientation, teamwork and independent work skills, and ability to successfully complete training.
Good common sense, critical-thinking, reasoning, organization, time-management, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to adjust to unpredictable situations requiring immediate attention.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment consistently and correctly.
Ability to bend, stoop, lift, carry, lift above shoulders, push, pull, walk, and stand throughout the shift.
Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and hand function to inspect and handle product.
Ability to lift 43 pounds 60 times per eight-hour shift and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to safely climb short ladders while carrying the specified weights.

Nice To Haves

Trade school education in plastics fabrication.
Light setup or maintenance experience.
Basic knowledge of production scheduling and inventory control.

Responsibilities

Perform production operations and monitor machine performance.
Complete minor quality control checks and identify quality issues and quality codes.
Train new Packers and assist with paperwork as needed.
Operate faster and more complex lines, start inline machines, and work with minimal assistance; become familiar with at least 50% of production lines.
Complete and maintain paperwork for inventory, quality control, record keeping, roll stock, and sheet tickets accurately and independently.
Understand the Bill of Materials and verify materials at the line against it.
Use correct signage for scrap material; tag scrap rolls and take rejected rolls to designated areas.
Confirm that correct material is used on the line and scrap material is sent to the correct grinder.
Perform authorized Lockout/Tagout according to safety guidelines and equipment instructions.
Perform basic machine setup and roll changes, including placing rolls on machines and starting rolls into formers and other machines.
Troubleshoot basic forming, trimming, and punching problems, including adjusting heats and recognizing conditions such as webbing and cold roll.
Assist with mechanical maintenance and make basic temperature or speed adjustments with support as needed.
Reduce downtime and keep machines running efficiently.
Maintain clean work and common areas.
Identify and report unsafe work conditions, behaviors, or incidents, and follow safety procedures.
Perform other duties assigned by the lead, supervisor, or manager.