2nd Shift Press Operator

Position Summary: The Press Operator is responsible for safely operating plastic injection molding machines and producing parts that meet established quality and production requirements. This position performs part inspection, trimming, assembly, packaging, labeling, documentation, and other production activities according to established work instructions. The Press Operator is responsible for following approved processes and work instructions, identifying and reporting quality or equipment concerns, maintaining accurate production records, and keeping the assigned work area clean and organized.

Production and Machine Operation: Safely operate one or more assigned plastic injection molding machines according to established procedures and work instructions. Follow approved work instructions, visual standards, Point and Touch information, production documentation, and other applicable instructions for each assigned job. Verify the correct part, material, color, packaging, labels, and other job requirements before and during production. Remove molded parts from the machine or conveyor as required. Trim gates, flash, runners, or excess material according to established requirements. Perform secondary operations, assembly, inspection, labeling, and packaging as required. Place finished parts in the correct containers and quantities. Maintain the required production pace while meeting established quality standards. Monitor the molding process and immediately report unusual machine operation, alarms, equipment problems, or changes in part appearance. Do not make unauthorized adjustments to machine process parameters or equipment settings. Follow instructions provided by Shift Leads, Shift Managers, Process Technicians, Quality, and other authorized personnel.

Quality and Inspection: Inspect parts according to established quality standards and work instructions. Perform required visual inspections and quality checks at the specified frequency. Identify defects such as short shots, flash, burns, contamination, discoloration, sink marks, warpage, damage, or other unacceptable conditions. Compare parts to approved samples, visual standards, and other quality references when required. Immediately stop, contain, or report questionable or nonconforming product according to established procedures. Do not knowingly continue producing, packing, or passing defective product. Keep suspect or nonconforming material properly identified and separated from acceptable product. Notify the Shift Lead, Shift Manager, Process Technician, or Quality personnel when a quality concern is identified. Complete required quality documentation accurately and at the required frequency. Maintain traceability of product as required.

Packaging, Labeling, and Material Handling: Follow established packaging instructions for each part. Verify containers, quantities, labels, and packaging materials are correct before use. Properly label completed containers according to established procedures. Ensure mixed parts, mixed colors, incorrect labels, or incorrect quantities are not placed in finished product containers. Move completed product to the designated location according to established procedures. Follow all required scanning and inventory movement procedures when applicable. Immediately report incorrect labels, packaging materials, quantities, or scanning concerns. Keep materials and finished product organized and properly identified.

Documentation: Complete production paperwork accurately and legibly. Record required production quantities, scrap, downtime, quality checks, and other information as required. Complete required scanning transactions accurately and at the appropriate time. Review applicable work instructions and job information before beginning assigned work. Immediately report documentation errors so they can be corrected appropriately.

Safety and Compliance: Follow all company safety rules, procedures, and applicable requirements. Wear required personal protective equipment at all times in designated areas. Keep hands and body parts away from moving machinery, molds, robots, and other hazardous areas. Never bypass, disable, remove, or interfere with machine guards, interlocks, light curtains, or other safety devices. Immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, injuries, accidents, and near misses. Follow Lockout/Tagout requirements and never perform maintenance or repairs unless properly trained and authorized. Operate only equipment for which training and authorization have been provided. Follow company policies regarding personal cell phone use and other prohibited activities on the production floor. Maintain good housekeeping around the assigned press and production area. Keep aisles, emergency equipment, electrical panels, and exits clear. Follow applicable company quality procedures and IATF 16949:2016 requirements. Participate in required safety, quality, and job specific training.

Housekeeping and Workplace Organization: Maintain the assigned press and surrounding work area in a clean and organized condition. Properly dispose of scrap, runners, packaging materials, and other waste. Keep tools, gauges, samples, paperwork, and production supplies in their designated locations. Prevent unnecessary accumulation of materials around the press. Clean the work area at the end of the shift or when changing assignments. Report spills, leaks, damaged containers, or other housekeeping concerns promptly. Take pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and professional workplace.

Communication and Teamwork: Communicate production, quality, equipment, material, and safety concerns promptly. Provide accurate information during shift changes when required. Work cooperatively with other Press Operators, Material Handlers, Mold Setters, Process Technicians, Quality personnel, Shift Leads, and management. Follow supervisor direction and respond appropriately to changing production priorities. Ask questions when work instructions, quality requirements, or assigned responsibilities are unclear. Treat coworkers, supervisors, and other employees professionally and respectfully. Assist other employees and production areas when directed.

Required Qualifications: High school diploma or GED preferred. Previous manufacturing or production experience preferred but not required. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal work instructions. Ability to recognize basic product defects and quality concerns. Ability to perform repetitive production tasks while maintaining attention to quality. Ability to accurately count and record production quantities. Basic math and reading skills. Ability to work independently while following established procedures. Ability to work effectively as part of a production team. Dependable attendance and punctuality. Ability to work overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules based on production needs.