Press Operator

Directly responsible to the Plant Manager. Responsible for optimally operating the press, process equipment, handling equipment and die setup in a safe and efficient manner. Responsible for following Company policies and procedures by ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times. We believe that every Employee is responsible to act safely and to model good safety practices.

• The duties and responsibilities of the Press Operator are detailed below, but not limited to the following:
• Efficiently operate the extrusion press while maintaining good quality that meets Almag’s quality standards.
• Keep track of equipment performance and ensure press is well tuned, and temperatures are being properly managed from billet oven to press exit temperatures.
• Responsible for monitoring runout efficiency such as length, speed, and finish.
• Reference work orders to ensure press is running at the optimal speeds to maximize productivity.
• Ensure billet zone temperatures are setup, monitored and maintained throughout the runs. Mark extrusions accordingly if temperatures do not meet requirements.
• Die management - Ensure all necessary tooling is available at the beginning and throughout shift.
• Load dies into press and ensure presses are not waiting for die changes. Importance must be given to ensure dies are not loaded too early or too late.
• Ensure die temperatures are maintained when dies are loaded and removed from the ovens.
• Responsible for communicating directly with the team leads/maintenance team if any mechanical breakdowns or issues are encountered.
• Ensure proper billets/logs are in the ovens and monitor the supply to keep press going.
• Ensure average speeds are followed based on information contained on work orders. If deviations occur, ensure note is made in EPICS and Team Lead is notified.
• Responsible for EPICS entries for billet lengths, cut offs, cut sizes, etc., and highlight any special notes and instructions that the team needs to focus on.
• Responsible for entering all downtime, die fails, quality issues, and schedule adherence notes in EPICS.
• Responsible for checking notes in EPICS and viewing drawings throughout the shift to ensure work orders are followed correctly.
• Responsible for checking the run out on the second billet produced. Report to Team Lead if billet length scheduled is inappropriate and have it changed to improve yield.
• Ensure sufficient spacing is kept between extrusion pieces on the cooling table to make sure proper cooling is maintained.
• Responsible for ensuring the extrusion is correctly fed into puller jaws. Notify maintenance/team lead if any issues occur.
• Ensure exit/runout temperatures are monitored and maintained throughout the run.
• Maintain quality checks at front end of press during operation and continuously throughout the shift.
• Press samples must be properly labelled and kept together for traceability.
• Ensure samples are taken after the first billet and verify dimensions and surface finish according to drawings in EPICS.
• Ensure all billets and alloys used are accounted for in EPICS and documented accurately.
• Check finish and dimensions on extrusions at the required frequency.
• Complete press Ascona scans as required.
• Must have knowledge and ability to operate all equipment at saw and stretcher.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education/Experience — High school Diploma with some technical background and mechanical aptitude.
• Extrusion experience is an asset.
• Technical Skills/Competence
• 1-2 years’ experience in an industrial environment.
• Knowledge of machinery and ability to read drawings is an asset. Willing to train.
• Must be willing and able to train and develop as a saw operator / inspector, stretcher operator and die preparation operator as understating these jobs and their impact is critical to developing as a competent press operator.
• Basic computer skills including MS Windows is required. Other MS software is an asset.
• Understanding of measurements, tolerances, basic geometry, and numeracy comprehension.
• Ability to lift up-to 50lbs independently, and ability to lift up-to 100lbs in collaboration with a team member.
• Familiarity with extrusion software such as EPICS is an asset.
• We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that goes beyond base pay, supporting your health, growth, and long-term success:
• Profit Sharing
• Education Assistance Program
• Social Events
• Safety Shoe and Glasses Allowance
• Internal Growth and Development
• Health and Dental
• Life and AD&D
• Vision
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• The expected hourly rate for this position is $22.00. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.
• Our organization may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled tools to support our recruitment initiatives.