B Operator

Job Title

The purpose is to direct, setup, operator, and control electric arc furnaces and auxiliary equipment used in the manufacture of ceramic fiber to ensure desired product quality and quantity; to maintain productivity standards and to ensure safe operation. The performance criteria for this position includes the successful achievement of plant, team and individual goals, relating to efficiency, productivity, safety, attendance and quality.

Furnace operation (80% of the day):

• Directs, sets-up and controls a variety of auxiliary equipment related to the manufacture of ceramic fiber products, including slit/cut machines, baggers, fiber opener, carton erector, roll shredder, and other related equipment.
• Monitors various product specifications to ensure desired results in product quality.
• Prepares containers, packs and labels.
• Operates power material handling equipment, including various types of forklifts and bobcat.
• Prepares paperwork including production reports for each job order and packaging requirements for each job order.
• Makes minor adjustments on equipment for weight and sizing.
• Troubleshoots minor maintenance problems.
• Assists in operation of automated material handling system.
• Stages packaging and finished goods.
• Has working knowledge of product quality specifications.
• Works successfully in a team environment.
• Directs and trains personnel of a lower skill set.
• Maintains clean, safe, orderly workplace, and follows all existing fire and safety rules.
• Must use small hand tools, perform repetitious bending, repetitious lifting of materials with the following weight range; bags 25-60 lbs, rolls 15-200 lbs.
• Ability to learn and access information through computer databases.
• Climbs ladders and stairs as needed.
• Use the Adaptive Coaching process for communication, goal alignment, problem solving, and career planning.
• All other duties as assigned.

Drive Safety

• Key contributor to departmental safety strategy in alignment with the Site Safety Strategy
• Own excellence in safety culture and systems. Safety as our #1 focus
• Support other employees in removing barriers to drive safety improvements
• Participate in Safety Gemba (Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma) verifying safe behaviors, correcting physical hazards and validating adherence to policies)

Drive Quality

• Collaborate with other employees to execute quality improvement initiatives
• Address necessary short and long term improvements to reduce customer complaints
• Key contributor to departmental Quality Control Plan using leading indicators such as Process Capability to ensure quality standards
• Own conformance standards to customer specifications
• Assist in the problem solving methodology to reduce variability in manufacturing processes and minimize process scrap

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess basic math and reading comprehension skills.
• Ability to learn and access information through computer data databases.
• Must have working knowledge of all "B" Operator jobs as well as working knowledge of quality products.
• Must serve in the training program and complete all requirements to become qualified as an "A" Operator.
• Upon completion of the training programme bid directly to an "A" Trainee, position.

Forktruck, bobcat, computer, wet scrubber, furnaces, small hand tools, carton sealer, stapler, carton erector, tape gun, stretch wrapper, power washer, electric power, water, compressed air, steam, LP gas, ceramic mixes, cartons, cutters, bags, stretch wrap, and tape.

Must perform duties requiring use of small hand tools. Possible exposure to elements requiring the production of finished goods. Must be able to perform detailed repetitive movement of hands and arms. Lift up to 80 pounds periodically without assistance, and work up to a height of 5 feet. Exposure to high heat and/or cold. Stand and work for up to 12 hours per scheduled workday.

Repetitive stair and ladder climbing.

Please note this job description does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time or without notice. If you are interested in being part of a world class manufacturing function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you.

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability,…