Load/Unload Opr - C Shift -6:30pm-6:45am (4 on 4 off)

Position Summary

Loads, unloads, and moves products for the kiln area operations, which contributes to the safe and efficient production of fired ceramic products that meet the required specifications and quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtains and confirms the correct travel tickets and load/unload plan at the beginning of each kiln cycle by matching the cycle to the kiln car number for the car that is on the lift; sorts the tickets into two piles—one for each side of the car.
• Performs manual loading and unloading of products to and from the kiln cars according to established procedures.
• Reads, references, and completes various forms and documents such as Loading/Unloading Sheets, Travel Tickets, Product Tochi Information Sheets, etc.
• Operates the hydraulic transfer car for moving the kiln cars in the work area; verifies correct movement by observing the control panel light indicators.
• Stacks and un‑stacks Tochi in baskets.
• Inputs process data into the company’s information systems (CAPAC).
• Transfers completed pallets by moving them with a pallet jack into the Fired Body Rack Server (Material Control Handler) or to the Fired Body Stock Yard.
• Keeps product clean and undamaged by handling with clean gloves and using established stacking and un‑stacking techniques.
• Verifies the placement and condition of the fire shields on the kiln cars.
• Cleans the Tana plates and the Tochi and verifies that they are free of burrs, rough edges, or other abnormal conditions.
• Reports work‑related issues to the team leader or management in a timely manner (e.g., safety, harassment, violence, production issues).
• Works safely by avoiding forklifts, staying clear of forklift doors, using personnel doors when entering or exiting buildings, exercising caution with pallet jacks, watching for tripping hazards and no‑entry areas, notifying the Technical Leader of equipment leaks, and taking necessary safety precautions regarding power outages, kiln shutdowns, or gas leaks.
• Participates in Preventive Maintenance (PM), Machine Maintenance Operator Leader (MMOL), and Global 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) activities as needed.
• Follows all Environmental Management System (EMS) procedures, including disposal of waste and used materials.
• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Environmental Awareness and Compliance
• Functional & Technical Expertise and Computer Skills
• Integrity and Accountability
• Organizational Awareness
• Respect and Humility
• Safety Orientation
• Teamwork

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) credential.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required job training.
• Preferred: 6 months manufacturing/warehousing experience or equivalent.
• Preferred: CRC Bronze certification or higher.
• Preferred: Completion of a Certified Production Technician program.
• Language: Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Mathematical: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers and decimals in all units of measure.
• Reasoning: Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions; ability to solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear, and to stoop or bend. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lb and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lb. The employee must be able to use a pallet jack to frequently move 400–500 lb.

Work Environment

The employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, and airborne particles. Noise levels are usually moderate. Overtime may be required on occasion to ensure continued production flow. Kiln‑area essential personnel may be required to report to work or work extended shifts during inclement weather.

Safety Requirements

• Face masks are required per CDC guidelines (effective 10/1/2021).
• Safety shoes must be worn while on NGK property.
• Cloth gloves may be required for certain duties.
• Protective sleeves and safety glasses may be provided as optional PPE.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not a written contract. Employment with NGK is at‑will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any lawful reason. The description does not constitute a complete listing of all tasks, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee.