Vacuum Forming Setup Operator

Vacuum Former    

Reports To: Forming Lead

Classification: Non-Exempt   

Safety Sensitive: Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vacuum Former helps bring the customer’s vision to life as they launch the production process of creating the products ordered. They are responsible for taking raw materials through the heating and forming process. The Vacuum Former reads work orders, changes tools and ensures quality expectations are met throughout the forming process. This role requires a high level of attention to detail, precise measurements and passion for producing quality products that further the Fiber Pad mission of producing the highest quality products for their customers. This role works under established guidelines and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Read and thoroughly comprehend the work order instructions that outline the part specifications. 
• Make notes on the work order of any additional improvements that could be made to the process.
• Pull, inspect and load required tools per the work order, ensuring quality of the tool and notifying Lead of any potential issues with the tools.  
• Performing set ups per the work order and VFM machine, monitoring temperatures and conditions of the machine and materials, including cleaning the machine and materials to further quality initiatives and reduce scrap.
• Loading material into the forming machine and monitoring conditions through the forming process.  
• Verifies correct VFM ID#, processing work orders with required information, ensures product is stated per specifications to move to the next phase of production.  
• Continuously monitors quality, identifying good parts with the traveler and separating bad parts using Quality Dept procedures, identifies drop material kept in work area with non-traceable sticker. 
• Communicates issues and concerns with Lead to ensure machines function properly.
• Follow SOP’s for products and machinery. 
• Trains on quality standards to deliver quality products with focus on reducing errors and scrap.
• Assists with training new operators, providing accurate demonstrations of how to perform tasks. 
• Adhere to safety protocols while working around materials and equipment.
• Assist in all phases of housekeeping to keep the facility clean and organized to help maintain a neat and tidy work area. 
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned by leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a manufacturing environment with Vacuum Forming experience preferred. 
• Ability to provide instruction and leadership to other team members in a professional manner.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and presentations skills.
• Ability to read or learn to read and interpret blueprints, understand measurements and compare product details to customer specifications.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and tasks at once with interruptions.
• Strong editing, proofreading and math skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Mechanical aptitude to understand and properly utilize tools with accuracy.
• Technical aptitude to understand machinery within a manufacturing production environment.
• Ability to interact with customers and Leadership in a professional manner.
• High level of dependability regarding attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to collaborate and work well within a team environment, and willingness to motivate and support others, supporting the Core Values of Fiber Pad.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Ability to use hands, including fingers to hold, touch, see, feel, grip, squeeze, push and pull as required for testing but also performing computer work.
• Ability to perform pushing, pulling and forward exertion on a regular basis.
• Ability to have overhead extension with arms on a semi-regular basis.  
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, crouch and squat frequently.
• Ability to see near and far, utilize peripheral vision and depth perception for tasks being performed, as well as visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and drawings, small parts, viewing a computer screen for extended periods of time, and extensive reading.
• Ability to bend and twist neck to monitor machine production accuracy.
• Ability to hear at normal speaking levels with or without correction. 
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Ability to stand and walk on concrete floor for 12-hour shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 20lbs on a consistent basis.
• Ability to regularly lift and or move up to 50lbs on a frequent basis as needed for tooling products. 
• Ability to understand and communicate verbally, in person and over paging system.
• Ability to meet requirements of and utilize all PPE when required.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The environment described here is meant to be representative of those an employee would normally encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. The physical environment requires the employee to work inside in a non-climate-controlled environment with exposure to heat or cold and production noise. Required to use PPE while performing job functions. 

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS

Work involves overtime and could involve schedule changes based on company need. Requires adherence to deadlines and project completion deadlines.