Operator Associate I

Novolex•Kalamazoo, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operator Associate I operates production equipment according to process instructions, shop-floor controls, and product specification sheets to produce quality products. The role leads activities on assigned production lines and helps maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work area. The operator works closely with teammates and support staff to support production, product quality, equipment uptime, and a cooperative workplace. The position involves operating and adjusting thermoforming, blending, and related equipment; monitoring production and quality; troubleshooting equipment and process issues; documenting downtime and shift activities; managing materials and inventory; and assisting with training. The role also includes supplying packaging materials, moving finished products, and handling scrap and unused packaging. The position is at Novolex’s Manchester Road location in Kalamazoo. Available shifts are 12-hour day or night shifts, 5:30 to 5:30, on a 2-2-3 schedule. Starting pay is $22.16 per hour, plus a $1-per-hour shift differential paid weekly. Employees are eligible for a pay-for-skill program as they gain skills.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three to five years of previous mechanical and/or technical experience in a related manufacturing setting.
Basic computer skills and knowledge.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Acceptable score on the Fabri-Kal Corporation mechanical aptitude test.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with little to no supervision and independently complete assignments.
Ability to read and understand equipment manuals, diagrams, process sheets, and metric measurements.
Ability to communicate effectively and work productively as part of a cross-functional team.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and troubleshoot problems.
Ability to understand and follow safety programs, policies, procedures, and safe equipment-operation practices.
Ability to perform root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and understand cause and effect.
Ability to operate thermoforming and/or blending equipment and peripherals; demonstrate knowledge of thermoforming machinery, company products, and plastic properties.
Ability to perform quality checks, identify defects, and maintain accurate production and inventory records.
Ability to work a 12-hour shift while standing and walking for extended periods.
Ability to climb and heed safety warnings, devices, and alarms.
Ability to lift and carry products weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to solve problems and establish cause-and-effect relationships in a manufacturing and/or office environment.

Responsibilities

Operate production equipment according to process instructions, shop-floor controls, and product specifications to produce quality products.
Lead activities on assigned production lines and maintain a safe, clean, and friendly work area.
Meet or exceed customer requirements and production performance standards.
Follow sampling procedures, enter data into the SPC system, interpret SPC data, and make process adjustments within allowable limits.
Operate and adjust machines and blending equipment to maintain product quality, machine efficiency, and uptime.
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems, generate breakdown work orders, report repairs needed, and document downtime.
Work with process technicians, maintenance, and other support staff to maximize quality and machine uptime.
Monitor blending equipment to ensure continuous and proper feed to production lines.
Assist with training supporting IPs and other personnel, and ensure trainees follow established procedures when a trainer is absent.
Read equipment manuals, diagrams, process sheets, and specifications; use metric measurements and prescribed machine settings.
Supply cartons and bags to production; move finished-product boxes from conveyors to trailers or staging areas; and transport unused or scrap packaging to the warehouse for storage or recycling.
Accurately control, count, weigh, record, and post inventory and production data using production sheets, work tickets, ERP, or peripheral software systems.
Communicate shift activities and work productively with cross-functional teams.
Follow company safety programs and operate equipment safely and responsibly.
Perform root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and troubleshoot process problems.
Maintain ISO-compliant processes and a clean, safe work area; grind scrap plastic for reuse and sort out-of-spec product for regrind as required.
Install dies using clamps, bolts, and hand tools; activate machines and set controls for molding temperature, plastic volume, pressure, and time according to procedures.
Operate thermoforming, blending, motorized, conveyor, and peripheral equipment safely and efficiently as required.
Inspect product and perform quality checks according to procedure, including inspecting and entering a mold shot every 60–90 minutes and identifying major and minor defects.
Organize and prioritize work, arrange materials for assembly or distribution, and safely load and unload materials from storage areas or vehicles.
Perform other duties as necessary.