Manufacturing ​/ Production Technician, Manufacturing Engineer

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Pilot Line Technician actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets domestically and internationally as well as support our existing production facilities with cost effective developmental improvements to lower operating costs and increase yields. This role provides technical support for foam processing by performing diverse skilled tasks in the areas of pilot line foam extrusion, maintenance, and inventory.

This individual operates the equipment that is used to produce the highly complex processes that create low density XPS foam. In addition, the role provides fundamental support such as material shipping and receiving for the Tallmadge Science and Technology site.

Tallmadge S&T Lab Leader

Individual Contributor with room to grow

• Supports safe day-to-day operation of pilot plant equipment by assisting with set-up, start-up, changeovers, and shutdown activities under direction of senior technicians or engineers.
• Performs routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting and escalates issues promptly to maintain equipment availability and support trial schedules.
• Monitors equipment and process conditions during trials, identifies abnormal operation, and assists with safe recovery actions to minimize downtime and sample loss.
• Works with the pilot line team to follow trial instructions, communicate observations, and support repeatable execution.
• Operates pilot plant process equipment (e.g., extruders and downstream handling systems) under supervision, following SOPs and safety requirements.
• Assists with preventive maintenance (TPM) and corrective maintenance tasks (cleaning, inspections, part replacement, basic repairs) and documents work performed.
• Supports sample and product handling (cutting, labeling, staging, and packaging) and performs basic checks to meet trial and quality requirements.
• Records operating conditions, material usage, and trial notes in logs or software systems; supports clear shift handoffs and communication of issues.
• Supports materials and inventory activities, including receiving, staging, labeling, and safe handling of raw materials and regulated chemicals.
• Follows all safety procedures (PPE, LOTO, chemical handling), reports hazards/near-misses, and exercises stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe.

• Ability to support safe operation of pilot plant or manufacturing equipment in a hands-on environment, including assisting with set-up, start-up, changeovers, and shutdown under direction.
• Demonstrated reliability in following SOPs, completing assigned tasks, and promptly escalating equipment or process issues to help maintain safe operation and equipment availability.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills (mechanical/process), including ability to recognize abnormal operation, take safe initial actions, and seek guidance when needed.
• Commitment to working safely and following procedures, including PPE, LOTO, and chemical handling requirements; reports hazards/near-misses and supports a strong safety culture.
• Ability and willingness to learn new processes, equipment, and basic control/HMI systems, and apply training and coaching in day-to-day operations.
• Dependable and accountable—shows up ready to work, follows through on commitments, and communicates status, issues, and handoffs clearly.
• Comfortable supporting a trial-driven environment where priorities may shift; able to stay organized, follow direction, and adjust to new tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including accurately recording operating conditions, material usage, trial notes, and maintenance actions in logs or software systems.
  • Basic proficiency with common productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) for communication and data entry.
• Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work in a pilot plant, including equipment operation support, cleaning/inspections, assisting with TPM/corrective maintenance, and material handling…