Compounding Machine Operator - 1st Shift 6am - 4:30pm Mon-Thurs

The Compounder is responsible for safely manufacturing batches for the Cast/C8 Line by operating high-shear dispersion equipment, unloading raw materials from tankers, managing hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams, and ensuring materials are prepared accurately to support production schedules. This role requires strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards while maintaining reliable operation of the compounding area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare bulk adhesive and coating batches according to approved manufacturing formulations and production schedules.
• Operate high-shear dispersers, mixers, pumps, transfer systems, and associated compounding equipment.
• Unload raw materials from bulk tankers into designated storage tanks while following all safety and environmental procedures.
• Verify raw material identity, lot numbers, and quantities before use.
• Monitor batch quality through viscosity, temperature, and appearance checks while documenting process parameters.
• Transfer completed batches to production tanks while maintaining material traceability.
• Handle, label, store, and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste in compliance with company procedures and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate waste logs and assist with waste pickups and storage area inspections.
• Perform routine cleaning of tanks, mixers, hoses, pumps, and compounding equipment to prevent contamination.
• Complete operator autonomous maintenance (AM) tasks and assist with preventive maintenance (PM) activities.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and communicate equipment concerns to Maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of raw materials and notify supervision of shortages or quality concerns.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely.
• Maintain housekeeping standards using 5S principles throughout the compounding and waste handling areas.
• Complete all production, quality, safety, and environmental documentation accurately.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.
• Assist other production departments as needed to meet business objectives.

Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Follow all OSHA, EPA, DOT, and company safety requirements.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Safely handle flammable, corrosive, and hazardous chemicals.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), spill response, and chemical handling procedures.
• Maintain compliance with hazardous waste accumulation, labeling, and storage requirements.
• Immediately report safety concerns, spills, environmental incidents, or near misses.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing or chemical processing experience preferred.
• Experience operating mixers, high-shear dispersers, or batch processing equipment preferred.
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals and industrial waste preferred.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Basic computer skills for production and inventory documentation.
• Ability to read manufacturing instructions, batch sheets, and safety documentation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Understanding of chemical safety and safe material handling.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow written procedures while working independently.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and reach throughout a 12-hour shift.
• Work around industrial equipment, moving machinery, and chemical processing systems.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators when required.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and industrial manufacturing conditions.

Working Conditions

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, chemicals, and moving equipment.
• Regular interaction with hazardous chemicals, tanker deliveries, and waste handling operations while following all established safety and environmental procedures.

Eduction/Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
• 1-year manufacturing experience -preferred chemical or batching processes