Machine Operator

I. Job Summary

Operates rotational molding machinery following strict adherence to processes to produce quality products. Provides leadership and communicates with all team members on all shifts to ensure consistent methods and results. The Machine Operator (MO) understands and can successfully perform: the operation of the machine; setting up molds on the machine; proper loading, unloading, and care of molds; following processes to produce consistent high quality products; defect identification, prevention, and troubleshooting.

Additionally, the MO is a strong and professional communicator throughout the team, across shifts and to leadership. He or she is a leader by example in putting safety first and following Centro’s Safety and Quality System. The MO also leads by example in the area of teamwork. He or she is able to perform the functions of the Assistant Machine Operator (AMO) and the Product Inspector Finisher (PIF) and does so when necessary.

II. Relevance and Importance of this Position at Centro, Inc.

The Machine Operator plays one of the most pivotal roles at Centro in molding a quality product. The quality of the molded part is critical to how our customers view Centro. Our customers rely on Centro for parts that are cosmetic, that have the right dimensions and properties, and perform well in the field. Many industry leaders put their name on Centro's product and their reputation hinges on the molded product's ability to perform in the field. Much is at stake and we rely on the MO to apply strict process control and perform religious mold care and maintenance in producing each molded part. It is only with dedicated and quality conscious MOs that we can achieve any of stretch goals in our strategic plan and our quality objectives.

III. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Operates rotational molding machines and related equipment (i.e. hoists, impact wrenches, various power tools). Performs machine start up and shut down activities. Performs mold set ups and changes. Properly loads and unloads molds.

2. Follows strict adherence to processes detailed in Centro’s Quality System including Product Summary Reports (PSR’s) in producing quality product. Especially critical is the review and adherence to the “Special Instructions to the Machine Operator” section of the PSR.

3. Reviews product during the demolding process and makes adjustments as appropriate.

4. Takes corrective action to ensure quality when advised by AMO, Quality Assurance (QA) Department, PIF, or Leader of defects or quality concerns with product or processes.

5. Maintains and ensures quality by establishing and regularly checking machine settings (temperature, time, air, water, damper, and rotation) to insure they are consistent with the documented instructions.

6. Ensures all production records including oven charts are detailed, thorough, legible, and accurate.

7. Communicates with team members across shifts to ensure everyone is aware of current issues and processes are consistent across shifts.

8. Utilizes the Product Change Notice (PCN) Process to make improvements to PSR’s.

9. Takes utmost care in handling molds and takes care of them in accordance with documented work instructions. Ensures parting lines are kept clean, clamps are maintained, pry pads are used, etc.

10. Ensures a Mold Condition Report is available for each mold running and documents any needed maintenance and/or repair. Reports any mold damage immediately and facilitates rework and/or repair.

11. When requested, utilizes Statistical Process Control (SPC) to achieve desired quality results.

12. Has responsibilities as assigned in Centro’s Quality System, which include but is not limited to those in Quality System Procedures (QSPs) 7510, 7513, 7516, 8230, 8240, and 8300.

13. Works at a pace applicable to machine cycle, making proper adjustments to run the highest quality and quantity of parts. Communicates concerns with achieving the schedule to leader(s).

14. Anticipates material requirements and notifies designated persons or Leader, or moves materials in order to minimize production delays.

15. Meets or exceeds production standards continually striving to improve quality and production.

16. May, with proper Leader and/or QA approval, lower cycle times whenever possible, as time and material allows.

17. Sets up molds in accordance with Centro’s defined processes.

18. Makes minor repairs on molds and/or machines.

19. Practices 5s and maintains a neat and orderly work center.

20. Performs the duties of the AMO and/or PIF when necessary.

21. Utilizes lean manufacturing techniques in achieving the most effective results.

22. Continues to improve skills through internal and external training.

23. Provides training assistance and support to other associates to increase knowledge and performance.

24. Is a leader by example in practicing safety at all times and complying with Centro’s Safety System. Always wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and prioritizes safety first in all activities.

25. Practices Centro’s safety values and performs daily hazard analysis.

26. Is familiar with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, the location of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), reads labels, and follows safe practices in using products.

27. Reports any unsafe conditions to Leadership and participates in solutions.

IV. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Must be able to perform basic mathematical functions and follow written and oral instructions.

2. Additional education and experience in a manufacturing environment and use of power tools, machinery, and equipment highly preferred.

3. Must be able to set-up, adjust and run rotational molding and related machinery while maintaining safety, quality and efficiency requirements with a minimum amount of scrap.

4. Must be able to use effectively all necessary hand and power tools, equipment and instruments utilized in performing the job including but not limited to: impact wrenches, screwdrivers, socket wrenches, hammers, hoist, torch, gauges, calipers, scale, etc.

5. Must be able to learn and use a computer and applicable software including Microsoft Windows and Centro custom applications.

6. Must be able to use judgment to make decisions on sequence of set-ups, work processes, layouts, etc., and analyze facts and circumstances to determine action to be taken with product defects within limits of standard practice.

7. Must be able to work with others, follow instructions, communicate professionally, and use tact to instruct and assist other Associates.

8. The job has specific required competencies that must be achieved to become and remain qualified. These requirements are detailed in Centro’s Quality System.

V. Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to see, hear, speak, read and write sufficiently for effective interpersonal communications required to accomplish essential job functions. Must be able to receive, comprehend and apply detailed information, judge depth accurately, distinguish color and variances visually and read measurements. Must be able to walk, stand for long periods and have hand, arm and body dexterity sufficient to reach, bend, stoop, manipulate, grasp, feel and periodically lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.

VI. Work Environment and Schedule

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment, with a temperature range between 30 and 110 degrees F. Normal work schedule is Monday through Thursday, with overtime or weekend work schedules as required. Work is scheduled for one of two shifts; 6am – 4pm (first shift) or 4pm – 2am (second shift) with various actual starting and ending times, and temporary shift placements, as assigned by the Operations Manager, Business Process Owner, Process Pro, Process Leader or Process Support. Break and meal periods in designated areas of up to 50 minutes per ten hour shift are provided.