Compounder Operator II - Tier 3 (Night Shift)

Position Purpose

To efficiently assist in operation and maintenance of polymer composite manufacturing processes. To efficiently assist in providing inventory management support to control production and downtime cost.

Shift

12-hour shifts (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM). Rotating schedule: 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off.

Responsibilities

• Begin to understand whether equipment is functioning properly by participating in preventive maintenance, adjustments, repairs, and cleaning of equipment/work environment.
• Support modifications and improvements of equipment to improve/maintain the operation.
• Learn to monitor all pollution control equipment to see that it is performing properly.
• Learn to monitor and maintain the performance of all components i.e. loss in weight feeders, zone temperature controllers, compounder and extruder drive motors, etc. in the compounding process.
• Assist in checking and cleaning dust and fume collections systems so that they are operating properly.
• Assist in completing weekly worksite inspections to maintain safety and environmental compliance.
• Assist in completing autonomous maintenance activities as prescribed in Data Stream.
• Assist in surveying utilities systems in operation & during repairs and makes changes and engineering recommendations to improve operations and lower costs.
• Readily accepts training from group associates explaining principles and job instructions.
• Collaborates with team mate and other crafts (internal/external) to complete projects.
• Assist in repairs of water, vacuum, pneumatic loading, and compressed air equipment and lines.
• Makes recommendations on manual, mechanical, and electrical changes.
• Record all incidents of process upset and machine breakdown.
• Test process and materials produced per control plan for the process.
• Provide attention and service to wood fiber production function.
• Contribute to the development of standard practices for most effective work.
• Assists Engineers in incorporation of changes to equipment and processes.
• Maintains supply of raw materials for the process.
• Works with in Standard work, JBA's, control plans, work instructions and quality specifications.
• Works with support staff on keeping standard work documents current and relevant to defined output.
• Performs changeovers to defined standards to meet product specifications.
• Understands the safety needs of the process and works within the parameters defined to protect the equipment, facility and coworkers.
• Use measuring tools for managing product quality with in defined parameters of the standard work and quality documentation.
• Identify problems and implement fixes for common issues with the use of AMS tools and standards for continuous improvement concepts, and works with the support staff, management and maintenance on corrective action to resolve.
• Rotate as required through multiple jobs.
• Operate a powered industrial truck (PIT) based on operations/department need.
• Knowledge of product, process, and customer's expectations within the value streams (upstream and downstream of the process).
• Support and participate in Employee Engagement activities.
• Support respectful workplace.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Compounding Machine Definition

Various materials are mixed and melted, generally in an extruder of some type, then pelletized. This pelletized material is subsequently processed into a finished or semi-finished part by either molding or extrusion. Most compounding is done on twin-screw extruders of either co-rotating or counter-rotating design. Other types of equipment, such as single-screw extruders, kneaders and mixers, can also be used to compound materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 10 years' experience in Plastics Fabrication.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read and understand reports and a requirement to cross train on several operations.
• Strong communication, teamwork, problem solving and leadership skills.
• Dependability/punctuality.
• Must be able to safely operate a PIT (Powered Industrial Truck) in accordance with company safety standards.

Physical Demands for Essential Functions (Tier III)

• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 54 pounds.
• Ability to safely push and/or pull up to 53 pounds of force.
• Climb stairs/steps at will.
• Obtain a variety of positions such as stooping, reaching, twisting, etc.
• Ability to grasp and pinch frequently throughout the day.
• Work around and near moving equipment and machinery.

Pay

$25.35 - $31.65

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan, Employer Fixed Contributions & Company Matching.
• Profit Sharing* (2026 target of $3,600 per eligible employee, prorated as appropriate, paid in quarterly installments tied to quarterly operating profit performance).
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage*.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays.
• Paid Maternity Leave & Paid Parental Leave*.
• Career Growth Planning & Nationwide Career Opportunities.

*For employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement, some benefits may differ or may not be available based on the terms of the agreement.