Operator; 2nd shift Spray Dryer

AHF•Crossville, TN

14h•Onsite

About The Position

AHF Products has a job opportunity for a Spray Dryer Operator to be located in Crossville, TN. Reporting to the Powder Prep Supervisor, this role is crucial for maintaining the flow of powder to the Press Department. The operator will be responsible for various tasks including cleaning lines, performing color changes, running and washing the spray dryer, and assisting with material handling. The position also involves basic maintenance, continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen), and operating control room systems. Cross-training in other Powder Prep positions like Color Room Operator and Ball Mill/Water Room Operator is also a key aspect of the role. AHF Products is a leading hard surface flooring manufacturer in the USA, serving residential and commercial markets with a family of trusted brands. Headquartered in Mountville, Pennsylvania, with manufacturing operations across the United States and in Cambodia, AHF Products employs over 3,000 dedicated team members.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills in dealing with employees, management, and vendors.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Must be able to work holidays.
Must be available to work overtime as necessary and work other shifts as necessary, may be called in during abnormal hours.
Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test, physical, and criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Keep powder running to the Press Department.
Clean lines and perform color changes when orders are complete.
Run and wash spray dryer when needed.
Vacuum Powder Silo decks and wash silos when empty.
Assist in dumping hoppers in department and outside departments.
Perform basic maintenance (for example, replacing vacuum and dust collector hoses/belts/scrapers).
Work on Kaizen for continuous improvement.
Demonstrate understanding of operating Ball Mill Control Room, Color Mix Control Room, and Main Control Room.
Complete 5S and TPMs and all other necessary paperwork.
Operate a forklift and front-end loader.
Use Gemba board to effectively communicate issues.
Communicate effectively with co-workers, Supervisors, and other Departments as needed.
Perform start up and shutdown procedures, including cleaning.
Ensure that appropriate slip supplies are available.
Supervise the screening and electromagneting of all slip to be used.
Ensure that spray dried powder, after acceptance by the Technical Department, is delivered only to the powder slip for the correct color.
Cross-train in order to work all Powder Prep positions if needed: Spray Dryer, Color Room Operator, Ball Mill/Water Room Operator.
Check lances to determine they are spraying well and change lances.
Perform startup, maintenance, and shutdown procedures, including cleaning (for Spray Dryer).
Ensure that appropriate slip supplies are available (for Spray Dryer).
Supervise the screening and electromagneting of all slip to be used (for Spray Dryer).
Ensure that spray dried powder, after acceptance by the Technical Department, is delivered only to the powder slip for the correct color (for Spray Dryer).
Measure silos and check cycle tanks and dump cyclone tanks if necessary (for Spray Dryer).
Startup spray dryer.
Dump hoppers on deco line, kiln, and presses.
Clean bucket elevator during final fill and clean lines downstairs.
Clean spray dryer lines, clean sieves, wash spray dryer, and clean floor.
Complete moisture checks and density and viscosity testing.
Keep powder running to presses.
Make stain/color (for Color Room Operator).
Make batch corrections (for Color Room Operator).
Provide color to the spray dryer (for Color Room Operator).
Unload trucks to restock stain (for Color Room Operator).
Clean mixing tank, holding tanks, ATMs, color lines A&B mixer (for Color Room Operator).
Clean sieves after each color at the end of the day, taking care of waste when full (for Color Room Operator).
Lifting 55 lbs., hooking and unhooking hoses and moving hoses (for Color Room Operator).
Maintain and do testing on Ball Mill (density, viscosity, residue test) (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Run turbo mixer to control water and greenware (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Load and unload scrap (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Deal with suppliers and truck drivers, keeping on track of material quantities (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Maintain water system and switch out membrane (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Feed material to Ball Mill weight belts and know feed rates (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Multi-task by watching belts, screens, etc., to ensure smooth operation (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Operate heavy equipment to load weigh box and push new incoming loads of clay (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Lifting grinding media that weighs 55 lbs. (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Color correct mixers/tanks that have not been passed within the declared specs (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Lifting 55-100 lbs. of stain, depending on the color being made. This could consist of a few bags to 30+ bags (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Process the water used in the plant through a membrane system that takes particulate out of the water (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Install and rotate membrane as needed (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Handle various chemicals that are put in the process (for Ball Mill/Water Room Operator).
Work on Kaizen for continuous improvement.
Follow safety guidelines and company standards, using Personal Protection Equipment.
Adhere to company policies and procedures.
Maintain housekeeping standards to ensure a clean and safe workplace.
Perform any other duties that may be required or assigned.