Production-Single Facer Operator

Smurfit Westrock•San Antonio, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Single Facer Operator safely operates, monitors, and maintains single facer equipment on a corrugator to produce high-quality single-face corrugated board that meets production and customer specifications. The role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and understanding of machine operations, quality standards, and safety procedures. The operator identifies and addresses issues promptly, minimizes waste and downtime, and works with the corrugator team to maintain efficient production. The position is in the Corrugator / Production department at a corrugated container manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas, and reports to the Corrugator Supervisor / Production Supervisor. The schedule is third shift, Monday through Friday, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., with overtime and weekends as needed. Pay is $29.45 per hour plus a $0.30 shift differential.

Requirements

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.
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.
Ability to work around 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.
Consistently follow safety procedures, recognize hazards, monitor equipment settings and product quality, and take accountability for inspections and reporting issues.
Communicate clearly with supervisors, coworkers, maintenance, and quality personnel; support other corrugator operators and production goals.
Identify operating problems and take appropriate corrective action within authorized limits; demonstrate dependable attendance, punctuality, and consistent performance.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous manufacturing or industrial machine operation experience preferred.
Corrugator or single facer experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and monitor single facer equipment according to production schedules and specifications.
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 material flow and communicate with the corrugator crew to support production efficiency.
Identify equipment malfunctions and notify a supervisor or maintenance when necessary.
Inspect single-face board throughout production for compliance with 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 starch application and monitor adhesive system performance.
Perform and document quality checks, communicate quality issues, and follow procedures for identifying, isolating, and reporting nonconforming material.
Follow safety policies, PPE guidelines, lockout/tagout requirements, and machine guarding requirements.
Use safe practices when handling paper rolls, working around moving machinery, and performing authorized adjustments.
Follow procedures for cleaning starch lines, switching valves, draining systems, and washdowns; verify valve positioning and flow direction before transferring water or adhesive.
Report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, near misses, and incidents immediately, and maintain a clean, organized work area in accordance with 5S standards.
Conduct pre-shift inspections; monitor machine performance; perform authorized routine cleaning, lubrication, and operator-level maintenance.
Inspect starch lines, valves, rollers, belts, and other accessible components as required, and work with maintenance personnel to troubleshoot issues.
Report abnormal machine conditions, document problems, and follow procedures for shutdowns, startups, and equipment changeovers.
Complete production, quality, downtime, and inspection records accurately.
Communicate operational concerns, equipment issues, and quality defects to the supervisor, and provide shift-to-shift handoffs about machine condition, adjustments, and outstanding issues.
Follow SOPs, work instructions, and supervisor directions; participate in training, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Produce material that meets quality specifications, minimize preventable waste, downtime, and machine damage, and prevent contamination of starch, water, and adhesive systems.
Complete inspections and documentation on time, communicate concerns promptly, maintain housekeeping standards, and demonstrate teamwork and accountability.