Hot End Operator

Job Title: Hot End Operator

Department: Operations/Manufacturing

Reports to: Team Leader

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Date: 1/28/2014

SUMMARY

Operates, monitors, maintains, and troubleshoots all hot end operations equipment for ULF operations. The operator is expected to maintain predefined control of all aspects of the process running according to critical process variables (CPV) and demonstrate technical aptitude to make appropriate process change decisions to maximize product performance. Works to assure maximized quality and safety during operations. Notifies Team Leader to any equipment, quality, or operational complications needing resolution and takes corrective actions within scope of the Hot End Operator role.

Principal Operational Duties and Responsibilities

* Follows all Owens Corning safety policies and procedures

* Demonstrate competency in all ULF hot end operations including batching, melting, fiberizing, chemical application, gas train, wash water, and quality of resulting fiber

* Perform data entry and monitoring of all operations and quality data collected on shift

* Assure batch system is maintained and troubleshoot as required to assure feed to melters is incessant

* Verify positioning and execute changes in furnace electrodes

* Distribute batch and control batch-to-glass conversion reaction to maintain required viscosity at fiberizer units

* Verify operation and assure suitability of resulting fiber during fiberization process

* Collect glass fiber samples and execute fiber diameter testing

* Perform chemical calibration checks

* Maintain/verify wash water system and assure environmental equipment is operating according to protocols to avoid environmental impact

* Demonstrate competency in forklift safe operation

* Admix out of specification (OS) product to maximize PJE reduce waste

* Assist in transport line clean out to assure optimized airflow through transport lines

* Execute all operations according to critical process variables (CPV)

* Recognize process abnormalities and understand cause/effect relationships to the resulting impact on fiber quality

* Assure all operations provide fiber meeting all manufacture specifications

* Notes any process abnormalities and notifies Team Leader to initiate corrective action

* Increase technical aptitude of the fiberglass manufacture process to increase capabilities and understanding of operation

* Assures clean and orderly housekeeping in all assigned areas at all times

* Performs other related duties consistent with the nature of the job as directed by the NLT and the direct supervisor

AUTHORITY

* Manage processes and equipment to maximize operational efficiency and safety

* Notify Team Leader of any process or equipment abnormalities to achieve root cause and corrective action as quickly as possible

* Perform minor processing adjustments to assure finished ULF product meets all manufacture specifications as per technical training protocols

* Recommend actions to Team Leader to optimize fiber characteristics and properties

* Troubleshoot and resolve any hot end equipment or process issues to maintain maximum efficiency of the operation

* Communicate any equipment complication to Team Leader and the maintenance team

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The employee should hold the following abilities:

* Must be able to read, write, and speak English

* Must be able to understand verbal and written instructions

* Must possess strong communication skills

* Must have the ability to multi-task

* Must work well in team environment

* Must have the ability to execute basic mathematical calculations

* Must have OC equipment familiarity and problem solving skills

* Must have the capability of understanding cause/effect process relationships

* Must demonstrate initiative and a quality work ethic

* Must be able to work independently

COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPENTENCIES

The employee must be able to:

* 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 employee should have the following:

* Minimum high school diploma or equivalent is required

o College degree is preferred

* Must be a US citizen or have the right to work in the US

* Must be 18 years or older

* Must be drug and alcohol free

* Must have demonstrated and documented competency of OC-LKD hot end operations

* Related experience and/or industrial training in an industrial environment

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires:

* Exposure to temperature extremes

* Exposure to sounds or noise levels that maybe uncomfortable

* Handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls

* Lifting/carrying/moving up to 50 pounds

* Regular attendance on site and the ability to work shift schedule

* Wearing respirator protection and other required PPE

* Participates in the safety and good housekeeping programs as established within the plant