Production Technician - Palletizer

Seniority Level

Entry level

Full-time

Management and Manufacturing

Packaging and Containers Manufacturing

Position Summary:

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art can-making technology, this high speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities. The Production Technician for the Palletizer Machine is responsible for the continuous, high-speed operation, monitoring, and minor maintenance of the automatic can palletizing equipment. This role ensures that finished, quality-approved aluminum cans are correctly stacked, sheeted, strapped, and secured onto pallets according to customer specifications, maintaining product count accuracy and package integrity for distribution.

• Machine Operation:
  Directly operate, load materials for, and monitor the automated Palletizer machinery, including infeed conveyors, can layer formers, tier sheet dispensers, and stretch wrappers.
• Recipe Management:
  Select and input the correct stacking pattern and pallet configuration ("recipe") based on the size of the can and specific customer order requirements.
• Material Supply:
  Ensure a continuous supply of essential packaging materials, including pallets, top frames, tier sheets, and stretch wrap film. Load and adjust material dispensers as needed.
• Flow Management:
  Monitor the flow of finished cans into the Palletizer to prevent jams, spills, or damage and maintain optimal throughput.

• Pallet Inspection:
  Conduct frequent inspections of finished pallets to verify the stack stability, proper application of tier sheets, correct positioning of top frames, and secure strappers.
• Count Verification:
  Monitor can counter systems to ensure accurate pallet counts and reconcile any discrepancies with production records.
• Labeling and Documentation:
  Generate, apply, and verify all pallet labels, ensuring lot numbers, customer codes, and quantity information are correct for shipping and inventory control.
• Defect Response:
  Identify and respond immediately to any issues that could compromise the physical integrity of the pallet load (e.g., loose wrapping, shifted layers).

• Troubleshooting:
  Rapidly diagnose and clear machine jams within the palletizing area and perform minor mechanical and pneumatic adjustments to ensure the automated system operates smoothly.
• Basic Maintenance:
  Perform routine preventative maintenance (PM) on the palletizer, including cleaning sensors, inspecting drive chains, lubricating moving components, and replacing minor wear parts.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with Maintenance Technicians on complex repairs and major system overhauls.

• Safety Compliance:
  Strictly adhere to all plant safety rules and procedures, especially regarding conveyors, moving machinery, and lift equipment, utilizing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) when necessary.
• Work Area:
  Maintain a clean, organized, and debris-free area around the palletizer and finished goods staging zones.

• Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and chemical handling procedures.
• Accurately record production data, quality metrics, and maintenance activities on shift logs and digital systems.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organization in all areas of the Back End line.

• Preferred – A Technical degree or the equivalent experience, defined as greater than 4 years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment.
• Required – High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Preferred – 2 or more years of production experience in a high-speed manufacturing setting, including at least 1 year of mechanical experience.

• Mechanical Aptitude:
  Strong ability to understand and troubleshoot complex automation, mechanical, and pneumatic systems used in packaging.
• Attention to Detail:
  Excellent focus on precision and product packaging quality, ensuring final…