Plastics Production - Sheeting Plastics Operator

at  Ice River Sustainable Solutions

POSITION SUMMARY

The PET Sheetline Operator is essential to the production of high-quality Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) sheets, which are integral to various applications such as packaging, food containers, and consumer goods. This role involves operating, maintaining, and optimizing advanced machinery to ensure efficient and seamless production processes. The operator is also responsible for adhering to strict safety standards, promptly troubleshooting equipment issues, and driving the achievement of production targets. By ensuring the reliability and quality of our PET sheet production, this role plays a critical part in the overall success of our operations.

EDUCATION/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (technical or vocational training is a plus).
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or extrusion environment, especially in PET sheet production, is preferred.
• Familiarity with extrusion machines, production lines, and industrial machinery.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Solid understanding of safety procedures and ability to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet production targets.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.

• Configure, operate, and fine-tune the PET sheet extrusion line to ensure consistent production of high-quality sheets in accordance with specified standards. Monitor and regulate the extrusion process using control systems, ensuring production speed, material flow, and product dimensions adhere to established specifications. Manage critical process parameters, including temperature, pressure, cooling rates, and line tension, to maintain optimal operating conditions and prevent deviations.
• Maintain accurate production records and reports for quality control and production tracking. Conduct regular inspections of the PET sheets, ensuring they meet company standards and specifications. Perform quality checks on the PET sheets, verifying compliance with industry standards and customer requirements (e.g., thickness, clarity, color, etc.). Make necessary adjustments to address discrepancies and maintain product quality, promptly reporting any deficiencies or deviations to Supervisors.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the sheetline equipment to ensure optimal functionality, minimize wear, and prevent unplanned downtime. Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions using technical expertise and available diagnostic tools, coordinating with maintenance technicians for more complex repairs as needed. Promptly document and communicate any equipment issues or required repairs to the maintenance team or management to facilitate timely resolution and maintain production efficiency.
• Analyze and interpret production line flow through continuous monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs), such as cycle times, bottleneck areas, and material flow rates, utilizing advanced data analytics tools to optimize equipment synchronization, reduce downtime, and ensure seamless coordination between processes to maximize manufacturing throughput and efficiency.
• Identify and assess potential safety hazards by conducting real-time risk analysis using sensor data and machine feedback, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, emergency stop mechanisms, and machine guarding systems. Utilize ergonomic assessments and load distribution analysis for safe lifting practices, while adhering to OSHA and plant-specific safety regulations for machine operations, thereby mitigating risks of equipment malfunctions, operator injuries, and unsafe working conditions.
• Collaborate with fellow operators, production staff, and management to maintain seamless and efficient operations. Communicate clearly and effectively with team members to address any issues or convey changes in production schedules. Engage actively in training and development programs to enhance technical skills and deepen knowledge of PET sheet production processes.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for production processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.