Thermoforming Operator

Thermoforming Operator

The Thermoforming Operator sets up, operates, monitors, and maintains large-scale thermoforming equipment, including hydraulic presses, ovens, shears, and related tooling, to safely produce parts that meet work order and quality requirements. This hands-on role requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to identify and troubleshoot equipment or process issues, and a willingness to work directly with machinery, tools, materials, adhesives, and cleaning agents in a demanding production environment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Review work orders, locate and verify required materials, and accurately record material, production, labor, and part-count information
• Set up and safely operate shears to cut material to specified dimensions
• Clean, prepare, load, and dry materials using racks and walk-in ovens in accordance with process requirements
• Prepare forming tools by removing residual mold release, cleaning surfaces, and applying new release material as required
• Safely load, position, secure, and unload forming tools in the press using appropriate material-handling methods
• Set up and operate the hydraulic press using the correct program, tooling, process parameters, and work instructions to produce conforming parts
• Monitor press cycles, temperatures, pressures, controls, and other operating conditions; make approved adjustments to maintain a safe, stable process and conforming product
• Identify and troubleshoot basic mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, tooling, and process issues; correct problems within training and authorization, and promptly escalate conditions requiring maintenance support
• Safely handle and apply cleaning agents, mold-release products, adhesives, and other process materials in accordance with work instructions and safety requirements
• Set up and operate robotic adhesive-application equipment and fixtures to meet specified coverage and process requirements
• Inspect completed parts for visual defects and conformance to specifications; segregate and report nonconforming material
• Clean, count, label, and package acceptable parts in accordance with work instructions and customer requirements
• Perform preventive maintenance, routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and minor equipment adjustments; support tooling changes and maintenance activities as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; follow all safety procedures, equipment safeguards, and required personal protective equipment practices
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience operating heavy industrial machinery—preferably a large scale hydraulic press, thermoforming press, stamping press, or comparable equipment—is strongly preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize abnormal machine operation, use basic hand tools, follow troubleshooting steps, and clearly communicate equipment issues
• Hands-on, safety-focused work style and willingness to work around heat, noise, hydraulic equipment, oils, adhesives, cleaning agents, dust, and other normal production-shop conditions
• Ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds and stand, walk, bend, reach, and work on the production floor for extended periods
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to maintain accurate records and recognize product or process abnormalities
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and maintain safe, consistent performance in a hot, noisy, and fast-paced production environment
• Ability to read and follow work orders, specifications, safety procedures, and equipment instructions, and to communicate clearly with production, quality, and maintenance personnel
• All applicants must meet the requirements of the U.S. Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process.