Senior Machine Operator - Saunders Converting Manufacturing

Position Description

The Senior Machine Operator ensures their own machinery and that of their colleagues is set up and works properly to exceed quality and productivity standards, including technically complex pieces of machinery such as the Voorwood slitter/rewinder or Deltra rotary presses. This position plays a critical role in supporting efficient production operations for on-time delivery to meet our customer needs and deadlines.

This role supports Production and Senior Leadership to drive optimized and profitable operations, while often participating in R&D for new business onboarding. The successful candidate will have strong mechanical skills, dynamic interpersonal skills, and must be able to proactively resolve machine repairs/maintenance as necessary. This role is expected to adhere to all company policies and safety protocols.

• Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by following standards, procedures, and complying with legal regulations, implementing 5S methodology and other manufacturing principles.
• Thoroughly understands and can effectively operate and maintain a myriad of production machines resulting in an efficient production cycle in accordance with instructions and required job specifications.
• Reviews work orders/production schedules to determine specifications, and works with their colleagues to ensure optimal setup sequencing for materials, locations, dimensions, tolerances etc.
• Tests and adjusts the necessary controls to regulate machine speeds and actions.
• Installs, aligns, and locks specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
• Monitors machine operation during production runs and records operational data.
• Measures all completed and in process work pieces to verify conformance based on established standards or specifications, using calipers, micrometers, templates, or rulers.
• Routinely performs quality checks on all completed work piece to certify it meets the highest quality standards; examines for defects and makes corrections as necessary.
• Proactively performs machine maintenance, upkeep, cleaning, and lubrication.
• Maintains acceptable productivity standards while minimizing raw material waste.
• Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for all assigned machines, job types, R&D initiatives, new business onboarding etc.
• As SME, provides training and coaching for new or Level II Operators as they learn new machine operation or updated manufacturing SOPs.
• Partner with Production Management to provide coaching, guidance, and general oversight to ensure best manufacturing practices are followed.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

• Thorough understanding of mechanics and other properties of machines.
• Ability to determine if machinery is working properly based on specs and fixtures, cutting speeds, or feed rates.
• Ability to follow written instructions and diagrams to complete work accurately.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with equally strong attention to detail.
• Strong math skills including fractions, percentages, and precise measurement.
• Ability to adjust to multiple demands, shifting work priorities and change.
• Good record of job performance, attendance, and punctuality.

• HS Diploma or GED Equivalent Required.
• At least 5+ years' experience in a manufacturing/ production environment Required.
• Demonstrated experience with rotary or flat-bed presses, slitters, rewinders, choppers, digital cutters or laser tables Required.
• Experience with laser cutting, digital cutting, Delta rotary Highly Preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to train and informally coach less experienced operators on new machinery or SOPS.
• Working knowledge of Auto Cad Required.
• English language capability (verbal/ written / computer) Required.
• 3 party production and/or quality certifications Preferred.

• This job operates in a manufacturing environment. This role routinely uses standard manufacturing equipment, as well as standard office equipment such as…