Production Technician

Polymer Reaction Process Operator

Unsupervised safe operation and monitoring of multiple polymer reaction processes. Load and unload tank trucks and railcars. Perform filtering operations and transfer materials to containers (drums, totes) or bulk storage (storage tanks, tank trucks or rail cars). Responsible for safe handling of materials and housekeeping.
Job Responsibilities:
Transfers product and raw materials through proper lines by identifying correct line and completing hookups.
Visually check lines, connections, and bleed off valves before, during and after transfer.
Operate digital and mechanical scales, meters, pumps (centrifugal, positive displacement, air, etc.), filters, homogenizer, heat exchangers, hoists, hose connections and transfer stations as needed.
Operate forklifts to safely move material
Know tank capacities for work area.
Know raw material incompatibilities to avoid contamination
Monitors degassing process on computer screens to determine appropriate sampling times. Records basic data.
Takes samples from Blow Down tanks and reactors - turns valves, takes quart samples to the lab.
Loads tank trucks – spots trucks, connects hoses to panel board, drop ramp, open manway hatch, verify hose connections on the mezzanine, drop hose, turn valves, take meter reading. Monitor the loading process.
Loads tank cars (railcars) – verify rail and spot. Connects hoses to panel board, drop ramp, open manway hatch, verify hose connections on mezzanine, drop hose, turn valves, take meter reading.
Weigh trucks and operate the computerized weight ticket system.
Using fork truck transfer pallets containing bags of raw materials to mezzanine. Make up solutions in tank by adding water and raw materials (must be able to lift/carry 50# bags) to specification.
Measure storage tanks, rail cars, reactors and blow down tanks as needed.
Unloads bulk raw materials.
Filters latex by operating AZO's (filtering process) – disconnects/connects electrical cord (LOTO), adjusts valves on meters, screws on/off knobs holding screen cover, removes base plates and azo screens. Puts base plates, screens to ground and washes off. Installs cleaned equipment. May carry damaged screens to work bench and carry repaired screen back to AZO for reinstall. Connect hoses at panel board. Change RP filters – Unscrew knob handles, pry open lids, pull out RP mesh filter, discard, replace with new RP filter. Water sprays to clean area.
Support QS 9000 compliance efforts
Manage time to effectively perform multiple job tasks safety and accurately.
Immediately notify Supervisor of any problems.
Communicate with other operators, material handlers and supervisors as needed to process the batch correctly. Perform shift turnover, including talking with incoming or outgoing operator, checking valves and equipment to ensure proper working order and position consulting schedule for day etc.
Proofread and comment to batch guides as needed.
Attend meetings as required, such as quarterly communication meetings, monthly safety meetings, town hall and others as required.
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge: Required Qualifications
High school or equivalent degree
Able to handle up to fifty (50) pounds and physical dexterity to assemble and operate polymerization reactors
Ability to follow instructions, record data
Must be able to effectively communicate with Co-workers
Motivated to learn new tasks, new concepts, new applications, etc.
Working knowledge of computer applications (Word, Excel, E-Mail)
High School diploma or equivalent plus 2 years experience in a manufacturing environment
Average to Above average level in the following areas: Reading, Applied mathematics, Applied Technology, Locating Information, Observation, Teamwork
Familiar with ISO-9001 and Process Safety Management
Ability to operate computer