Production Associate - Screen Room Set Up

Job Description

Job Description

Production Associate – Screen Room Set Up

1st & 3rd Shift Opportunities

American Trim is seeking detail-oriented Screen Room Set Up Production Associates to support our screen printing and coating operations.

This position is responsible for preparing equipment and materials for production, completing job changeovers, monitoring critical process conditions and performing quality checks throughout production. Screen Room Set Up Associates work closely with Production, Process Control and Scheduling to keep processes running safely, efficiently and within established quality standards.

This is a great opportunity for someone with manufacturing experience who enjoys hands-on work, troubleshooting and working with detailed processes and specifications.

Schedule & Pay

1st Shift: 5:55 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Thursday
3rd Shift: 7:55 PM – 6:00 AM, Sunday–Wednesday

All shifts include overtime as needed. Scheduled hours may flex based on operational needs.

Base Pay: $17.30–$19.30+ per hour, depending on experience
Shift Differential: Additional $1.50 per hour for 3rd shift

Benefits & What We Offer

• Day-one holiday pay
• Day-one 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental and vision benefits at 91 days
• Vacation eligibility at 91 days
• On-the-job training
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Direct Care for employees enrolled in company health benefits
• Annual boot reimbursement voucher
• Prescription safety glass reimbursement voucher every two years
• Career growth and advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Production Associate – Screen Room Set Up is responsible for setting up, changing over, verifying and adjusting processes within screen printing and coating operations. This includes screen printing equipment, ovens, chillers, conveyors, roll coaters and related process equipment.

This position establishes and monitors process parameters, performs required quality testing, troubleshoots process conditions and makes necessary adjustments to ensure products meet American Trim's established quality standards and requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform initial job setup and changeovers, including arranging and setting up screen printing equipment and other required process equipment.
• Position screens correctly according to process requirements and specifications.
• Select the appropriate ink or coating for each job and color requirement.
• Prepare screens by adding the appropriate ink or coating and assembling required application tools, including squeegees and back coaters.
• Set and adjust equipment according to established process sheets, work instructions and job specifications.
• Produce test parts following setup and visually inspect parts for proper and even coating and for defects such as bubbles, fish-eyes and other imperfections.
• Complete required first-piece approval procedures after releasing the process for production.
• Monitor ink and coating levels and replenish materials as required.
• Frequently check coating and ink viscosity and make appropriate adjustments to maintain required process specifications.
• Identify screen and coating conditions that may affect product quality and adjust or replace materials as necessary.
• Review production schedules and work with Scheduling and supervision to support efficient job sequencing and changeovers within customer and operational requirements.
• Assist supervision with controlling product quality and maintaining stable production processes.
• Monitor production processes and troubleshoot equipment, material and process conditions as required.
• Stop the process and notify appropriate personnel when conditions are not producing acceptable product.
• Notify Process Control in advance of changeovers requiring oven temperature adjustments.
• Monitor and control applicable clean room environmental conditions, including pressure, humidity and room temperature.
• Set up and/or verify pre-bake oven belt speed and peak metal temperature according to established process requirements.
• Set up and/or verify basecoat and topcoat processes, including coating viscosity, film thickness and coater setup.
• Inspect airlocks for cleanliness, change tacky mats as required and follow established clean room procedures.
• Perform required quality and process testing, including MEK rubs, cross-hatch, pencil hardness, reverse impact, T-bend and color checks as specified.
• Verify room cleanliness using black-light inspection and communicate room conditions to supervision following cleaning.
• Perform initial roll coater setup, including placement of end dams, troughs and blades.
• Check coating temperature, adjust coating to required viscosity, establish coater settings according to specifications and adjust equipment to obtain required film thickness.
• Start up and shut down ovens according to established procedures and required operating parameters.
• Monitor particle counters and accurately record required data.
• Support color control by checking the color of base coatings, dial pads and small graphic inks as required.
• Complete periodic audits and all required process, quality and production documentation accurately and timely.
• Follow Statistical Process Control (SPC) requirements and use established problem-solving methods to identify and address process concerns.
• Communicate process, equipment and quality concerns to supervision and appropriate support personnel.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe work environment.
• Follow all established safety, quality, environmental and operational procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Manufacturing, screen printing, coating, paint application, machine setup and/or related production experience preferred.
• Ability to learn and perform screen printing, coating and related process setup and changeover procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow process sheets, work instructions, production schedules and quality requirements.
• Ability to perform Statistical Process Control (SPC) activities and use established problem-solving methods.
• Basic math skills and ability to understand measurements and process specifications.
• Ability to use applicable measuring, testing and inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to make process and equipment adjustments within established procedures.
• Ability to identify visual coating, printing and surface-quality defects.
• Ability to follow and prioritize production schedules.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to process control and product quality.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to accurately complete production, process and quality documentation.
• Ability to follow established procedures, work instructions and safety requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Self-motivated and able to respond appropriately to changing production priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality and dependability.
• Must successfully complete required written and application-based skills testing specific to this classification.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

The work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to:

• Stand, walk and move throughout the assigned production area for extended periods of time.
• Bend, reach, stoop, turn and perform movements necessary to set up equipment, handle materials and inspect parts.
• Frequently handle lightweight parts and materials and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on a non-repetitive basis.
• Perform repetitive turning, reaching, handling and/or lifting motions associated with production and setup activities.
• Perform work requiring hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity and close visual attention.
• Visually inspect printed and coated surfaces for color, coverage and other quality characteristics.
• Work with inks, coatings, oils and other materials used in the manufacturing and printing/coating processes.
• Work around machinery, ovens, conveyors and other industrial equipment.
• Work with tools, manufactured parts and materials that may have sharp edges.
• Work in a manufacturing environment that may include noise, varying temperatures and other conditions associated with industrial operations.
• Work independently at times and collaboratively with Production, Process Control, Quality, Scheduling and other employees.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye, hearing, foot and other protective equipment as required.
• Work overtime and adjusted hours as required by operational needs.

Why American Trim?

At American Trim, Safety is our #1 Core Value. Our Screen Room Set Up Associates play an important role in maintaining the processes and quality standards required to produce products that meet our customers' expectations.

We provide hands-on training and opportunities for employees to develop specialized manufacturing, process-control and problem-solving skills while building their careers with American Trim.

If you are detail-oriented, mechanically inclined and interested in developing specialized screen printing and coating skills, apply with American Trim today.

No agency calls or emails, please.

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. American Trim does not anticipate providing employment-related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status).