Thermoforming Operator

Harper Engineering Company•Renton, WA

5d•$28 - $30

About The Position

The Thermoforming Operator sets up, operates, monitors, and maintains large-scale thermoforming equipment, including hydraulic presses, ovens, shears, and related tooling, to safely produce parts that meet work order and quality requirements. This hands-on role requires mechanical aptitude, the ability to identify and troubleshoot equipment or process issues, and a willingness to work directly with machinery, tools, materials, adhesives, and cleaning agents in a demanding production environment.

Requirements

Previous experience operating heavy industrial machinery is strongly preferred, preferably a large-scale hydraulic press, thermoforming press, stamping press, or comparable equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude, including the ability to recognize abnormal machine operation, use basic hand tools, follow troubleshooting steps, and clearly communicate equipment issues.
Hands-on, safety-focused work style and willingness to work around heat, noise, hydraulic equipment, oils, adhesives, cleaning agents, dust, and other normal production-shop conditions.
Ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds and stand, walk, bend, reach, and work on the production floor for extended periods.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to maintain accurate records and recognize product or process abnormalities.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and maintain safe, consistent performance in a hot, noisy, and fast-paced production environment.
Ability to read and follow work orders, specifications, safety procedures, and equipment instructions, and to communicate clearly with production, quality, and maintenance personnel.
Must meet the requirements of the U.S. Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process.

Responsibilities

Review work orders, locate and verify required materials, and accurately record material, production, labor, and part-count information.
Set up and safely operate shears to cut material to specified dimensions.
Clean, prepare, load, and dry materials using racks and walk-in ovens in accordance with process requirements.
Prepare forming tools by removing residual mold release, cleaning surfaces, and applying new release material as required.
Safely load, position, secure, and unload forming tools in the press using appropriate material-handling methods.
Set up and operate the hydraulic press using the correct program, tooling, process parameters, and work instructions to produce conforming parts.
Monitor press cycles, temperatures, pressures, controls, and other operating conditions; make approved adjustments to maintain a safe, stable process and conforming product.
Identify and troubleshoot basic mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, tooling, and process issues; correct problems within training and authorization, and promptly escalate conditions requiring maintenance support.
Safely handle and apply cleaning agents, mold-release products, adhesives, and other process materials in accordance with work instructions and safety requirements.
Set up and operate robotic adhesive-application equipment and fixtures to meet specified coverage and process requirements.
Inspect completed parts for visual defects and conformance to specifications; segregate and report nonconforming material.
Clean, count, label, and package acceptable parts in accordance with work instructions and customer requirements.
Perform preventive maintenance, routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and minor equipment adjustments; support tooling changes and maintenance activities as needed.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; follow all safety procedures, equipment safeguards, and required personal protective equipment practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.