Operator; 2nd shift Spray Dryer

AHF•Crossville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

AHF Products has a job opportunity for a Spray Dryer Operator located in Crossville, TN, reporting to the Powder Prep Supervisor. This role is crucial for ensuring a continuous supply of powder to the Press Department. Key responsibilities include performing cleaning and color changes, operating and washing the spray dryer, assisting with hopper dumping, and conducting basic maintenance tasks such as replacing hoses, belts, and scrapers. The operator will actively participate in Kaizen for continuous improvement, demonstrate proficiency in operating Ball Mill, Color Mix, and Main Control Rooms, and complete all necessary paperwork including 5S and TPMs. The position requires operating a forklift and front-end loader, effective communication with various departments, and adherence to safety guidelines and company policies. Additionally, the role involves cross-training in other Powder Prep positions, including Color Room Operator (making stain/color, batch corrections, unloading trucks, cleaning tanks and sieves) and Ball Mill/Water Room Operator (maintaining and testing Ball Mill, running turbo mixer, loading/unloading scrap, managing material quantities, maintaining water systems, and handling chemicals).

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.
Check lances to determine they are spraying well and change lances.
Perform startup, maintenance, 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.
Measure silos and check cycle tanks and dump cyclone tanks if necessary.
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.
Make batch corrections.
Provide color to the spray dryer.
Unload trucks to restock stain.
Clean mixing tank, holding tanks, ATMs, color lines A&B mixer.
Clean sieves after each color at the end of the day, taking care of waste when full.
Lifting 55 lbs., hooking and unhooking hoses and moving hoses.
Maintain and do testing on Ball Mill (density, viscosity, residue test).
Run turbo mixer to control water and greenware.
Load and unload scrap.
Deal with suppliers and truck drivers, keeping on track of material quantities.
Maintain water system and switch out membrane.
Feed material to Ball Mill weight belts and know feed rates.
Multi-task by watching belts, screens, etc., to ensure smooth operation.
Operate heavy equipment to load weigh box and push new incoming loads of clay.
Lifting grinding media that weighs 55 lbs.
Color correct mixers/tanks that have not been passed within the declared specs.
Lifting 55-100 lbs. of stain, depending on the color being made. This could consist of a few bags to 30+ bags.
Process the water used in the plant through a membrane system that takes particulate out of the water.
Install and rotate membrane as needed.
Handle various chemicals that are put in the process.
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.