Continuous Operator Operates, monitors, and assists in the drying and finishing processes, which involve the drying; the automated cutting; the visual inspecting; and the manual stacking of dried, formed products. Those products are supplied to the kiln area where they are fired in kilns, in which ceramic products are produced that meet the required specifications & quality standards. Performs established start-up procedures in accordance with the work instructions. Verifies that the finishing machine set-up, as well as the production line set-up, have been successfully completed once the automatic processing has begun. Inspects greenbody wooden pallet for damage; confirms that both sides of the wooden pallet have the same pallet number; and places finishing pallet cart on table lift in a safe and efficient manner. Calculates and verifies the number of layers and pieces of greenbody per layer for each travel ticket quantity. Picks up the product that is deposited onto the finishing table by the third transfer; applies part specific visual criteria understanding to visually inspect the entirety of each part; and places the approved parts onto the pallet in the proper manner Places white cardboard between each layer of greenbody, using the proper technique; when proper amount of product has been placed on finishing pallet, lowers cart and rolls cart to a location where the pallet may be easily removed by the forklift; and places the Finishing Travel Ticket on the finished pallet. Enters complete and accurate process information into the company's information systems. Determines maximum allowable values for dimensional characteristics (perpendicularity and length) by referencing the Target Sheet; checks length and perpendicularity; and determines location and magnitude of maximum perpendicularity variance by using the proper test timing. Calculates accepted, rejected and handled part quantities; performs yield/defect rate calculations; and calculates the number of total cuts on a specific blade and/or sets of blades and records the required information. Segregates and stacks/disposes of shiro-modori; wraps pallet and completely and accurately fills out the modori tag. Performs re-inspection tasks, including completely & accurately filling out the Re-Inspection Form. Completes the Drying/Finishing Activities Log to document the amount of time not processing parts; performs equipment setting adjustments and troubleshoots process and equipment problems; performs established change-over procedures, as required. Starts dryer operations according to established power up procedures; verifies initial settings for: exhaust fan, heater temperature, supply fan, etc. Calculates relay evaporation ratio when product forming begins. Checks continuous dryer conditions twice per shift & records on the Continuous Dryer Condition Check Sheet; performs carrier change outs as needed, according to product being produced. Adjusts machine settings to facilitate the manufacture of quality dried formed products. Works safely by avoiding forklifts; staying clear of forklift doors; and using personnel doors when entering or exiting the buildings. Participates in PM (Preventive Maintenance), MMOL (Machine Maintenance Operator Leader), and G5S (Global 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) activities as needed. Follows all EMS (Environmental Management System) procedures, including the disposal of waste and used materials. This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Customer Focus. Environmental Awareness and Compliance. Functional & Technical Expertise and Computer Skills. Integrity and Accountability. Organizational Awareness. Respect and Humility. Safety Orientation. Teamwork. Required Education and/or Experience 1. Must be able to successfully complete all required job training. High school diploma or general education degree (GED). 3. 6 month manufacturing/warehousing experience or equivalent 4. CRC Bronze or above Ability to read and comprehend work instructions. Ability to communicate information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization. Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Basic knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) software. Certified Production Technician program completion While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is required to have 20/20 vision (natural or corrected vision).The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; airborne particles; and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions; work in high, precarious places; and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Safety shoes must be worn while on NGK property Safety goggles may be required while performing certain job duties. Task appropriate gloves may be required while performing certain job duties. This job description is not to be considered a written contract. Employment with NGK is at will. This means that the employee, as well as the company, is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. Also, this job description is not designed to be a complete listing of the tasks, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
