Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Pratt Industries•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Machine Operator is responsible for safely operating production machines, including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to meet customer demand. The role focuses on running equipment at available capacity and speed while maintaining quality, minimizing waste and downtime, and following safety, quality, and good manufacturing practices. The operator helps maintain a clean and safe work area, identifies mechanical concerns, submits maintenance work orders, completes production and safety reports, and follows the production schedule. The role also includes training and assisting other production employees, cross-training on other machines and plant positions, and making recommendations to improve cost, quality, and service goals. Overtime may be required, sometimes on short notice, and work on holidays may be necessary. The position requires a high school diploma or GED. Candidates with packaging-industry experience or six months of manufacturing experience are preferred. Employees must be able to read and follow instructions, accurately read a tape measure, perform basic calculations, and regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds. A current Lift Truck Operator License may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to read and follow written instructions, including quality, safety, and job-packet instructions.
Ability to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy.
Ability to calculate percentages, measurements, volume, and rate, and apply high school math concepts.
Ability to use common-sense reasoning to follow written, oral, or graphic instructions and handle problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to regularly stand, walk, and talk or hear; frequently use hands, reach, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and occasionally sit.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in the packaging industry, including paper, plastics, or converting.
Six months of experience in a manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

Operate production machinery safely, including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending operational improvements.
Follow company safety rules, operating procedures, and good manufacturing practices; participate in the Plant Safety Committee and promote workplace safety.
Follow quality procedures and prevent defective products from being sent to customers.
Operate machinery at available capacity and speed while improving setup times, reducing downtime, and minimizing waste without sacrificing quality.
Identify mechanical concerns and report them to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Plant Mechanical Technician/Specialist.
Maintain clean, orderly work areas and equipment, including end-of-shift cleaning and housekeeping in areas used by the employee.
Train and assist Assistant Machine Operators, Machine Helpers, and Production Utility employees with machine duties, downtime, setup, and quality.
Cross-train on other machines and learn other plant positions.
Complete production, machine-status, safety, and quality reports accurately and on time.
Submit maintenance work order requests to supervision and proactively maintain equipment and housekeeping.
Switch duties with co-workers as necessary and comply with company policies and procedures.
Follow the production schedule and recommend schedule optimizations to meet cost, quality, and service goals; report unusual scheduling issues to a supervisor.
Work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice, and work holidays when needed.
Perform additional duties assigned by management.