Hot End Operator

Job Title: Hot End Operator
Department: Operations/Manufacturing
Reports to: Team Leader
Supervises: N/A
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date: [Current Date]

SUMMARY
Are you ready to turn up the heat? Join our team as a Hot End Operator and become a key player in our high-temperature operations! You'll operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot all hot end equipment for ULF operations. If you have experience working with industrial machinery in extreme temperatures and handling hot molten/melted materials, we want you! Your mission: maintain control of all aspects of the process, make smart decisions to maximize product performance, and ensure top-notch quality and safety. Report any equipment, quality, or operational issues to the Team Leader and take corrective actions within your role.

Rate of Pay
$22.00/hr with a $0.50 night shift differential.

Schedule
Rotating shifts. Schedules will rotate between nights and days every 28 days.

• Dayshift: 7:00am - 7:00pm
• Nightshift: 7:00pm - 7:00am

Weekly Schedule follows a 2-2-3 pattern:

• Week 1: Work 2 days, off 2 days, then work 3 days.
• Week 2: Off 2 days, work 2 days, then off 3 days.

Principal Operational Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all safety policies and procedures – safety first!
• Master all ULF hot end operations, including batching, melting, fiberizing, chemical application, gas train, wash water, and fiber quality.
• Enter and monitor all operations and quality data collected on shift.
• Keep the batch system running smoothly and troubleshoot as needed.
• Adjust furnace electrodes and control batch-to-glass conversion to maintain the perfect viscosity.
• Ensure the fiberization process produces top-quality fiber.
• Collect glass fiber samples and perform diameter testing.
• Conduct chemical calibration checks.
• Maintain the wash water system and ensure environmental equipment operates correctly.
• Operate forklifts safely.
• Mix out-of-specification (OS) product to reduce waste.
• Clean transport lines to optimize airflow.
• Execute all operations according to critical process variables (CPV).
• Recognize and understand process abnormalities and their impact on fiber quality.
• Ensure all operations produce fiber that meets manufacturing specifications.
• Report any process abnormalities to the Team Leader for corrective action.
• Continuously improve your understanding of the fiberglass manufacturing process.
• Keep your work area clean and organized.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the NLT and direct supervisor.

AUTHORITY

• Manage processes and equipment to maximize efficiency and safety.
• Notify the Team Leader of any process or equipment issues for quick resolution.
• Make minor adjustments to ensure the finished ULF product meets all specifications.
• Recommend actions to optimize fiber characteristics and properties.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hot end equipment or process issues.
• Communicate any equipment issues to the Team Leader and maintenance team.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The ideal candidate should have:

• Strong English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• The ability to understand verbal and written instructions.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to multi-task and work well in a team environment.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Familiarity with industrial machinery and problem-solving skills.
• An understanding of cause/effect process relationships.
• Initiative and a strong work ethic.
• The ability to work independently.

COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
The candidate must be able to:

• Operate various PLC software and control room software.
• Be proficient with Microsoft Outlook and other Office software.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
The candidate should have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (college degree preferred).
• The right to work in the US and be 18 years or older.
• A drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.
• Demonstrated competency in hot end operations.
• Related experience and/or industrial training in high-temperature environments and handling molten/melted materials.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires:

• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Exposure to loud noise levels.
• Handling, controlling, or feeling objects, tools, or controls.
• Lifting/carrying/moving up to 50 pounds.
• Regular on-site attendance and the ability to work shift schedules.
• Wearing respirator protection and other required PPE.
• Participation in safety and good housekeeping programs.
• Participation in good housekeeping programs as established within the plant