Thermoformer Operator
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Shift: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift
Reports To: Production Supervisor
About the Role
The Thermoformer Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and optimizing thermoforming equipment to produce high-quality products safely and efficiently. This role plays a critical part in maintaining production schedules, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. The Thermoformer Operator partners closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams to drive operational excellence and support customer needs.
What You'll Do
Primary Impact
Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant thermoforming operations that deliver high-quality products on time while supporting continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up thermoforming equipment using approved tooling, recipes, and production specifications.
- Operate and monitor production equipment to achieve quality, safety, and productivity objectives.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve machine, process, and product quality issues through mechanical and process adjustments.
- Lead equipment changeovers and support efficient startup and validation activities.
- Guide and support Assistant Operators while promoting adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
- Conduct in-process inspections and verify products meet quality specifications.
- Maintain accurate production documentation and daily operational reporting.
- Support production schedules by minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment performance.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready manufacturing environment.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives including 5S, ISO, GMP, SMED, Sustainability, and Preventive Maintenance programs.
- Follow all safety procedures and promptly report unsafe conditions or incidents.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Who You Are
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Experience operating and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
- Understanding of machine setup, changeovers, and process control principles.
- Ability to read and follow production schedules, work instructions, and job documentation.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
- Ability to inspect materials and finished product for defects and quality concerns.
- Ability to identify variations in color, shade, and material appearance.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
- Ability to safely handle materials and perform physical manufacturing activities in a fast-paced setting.
- Experience using basic computer systems and production reporting tools.
Basic Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum of 2 years of machine operation experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work assigned shift schedule, including overtime as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with rigid plastic manufacturing processes.
- Experience operating thermoforming equipment.
- Working knowledge of Kiefel and Zed thermoformers.
- Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing environment with noise levels that may require hearing protection.
- Exposure to industrial chemicals and manufacturing materials.
- Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing.
- Regular material handling activities, including moving heavy rolls and skids using approved equipment.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, safety footwear, and other PPE as required.