Machine Operator Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

Skilled Machine Operators play an important role in the daily operations of our company. There are a variety of roles and responsibilities within this title. The types of roles include but are not limited to, performing various rendering and tissue processes, operating heavy equipment, charting and reporting progress and yields, and in many cases the use of tracking via computer, all while making safety the number one priority. While performing the duties of a Skilled Machine Operator, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fast-paced environments. Positions require standing or walking the entire shift, the use of stairs, and occasionally the use of PPE. You should have proven experience operating and maintaining high-speed machinery, a good understanding of production procedures and best practices, and good physical stamina.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Calibrate machines to ensure proper startup and operation
• Routinely check and clean machines
• Monitor and control machine performance and settings
• Regularly test machine performance and operating capacity
• Adhere to safe work practices
• Communicate with team members and support teams to ensure continuous production of the correct product with minimal wasted time and materials
• Install, maintain, and repair machinery using appropriate tools
• Work with others to ensure equipment is in proper working order
• Observe and follow company safety rules and regulations
• Maintain a log of the activity
• Regularly submit performance reports

Education and experience

• High School Diploma/GED
• Aptitude for math, problem-solving, computers, and mechanics
• Associates degree or completion of related apprenticeship program preferred.
• 3-5 years of related experience

Required skills and qualifications

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to interpret and implement blueprints, schematics, and manuals
• Ability to quickly learn production equipment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Significant experience with diverse high-speed machinery and measurement tools٫ such as calipers, micrometers, etc.
• Excellent understanding of production procedures
• Attention to detail
• Physical stamina and strength
• Knowledge of different types of machines and tools

Preferred qualifications

• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Experience in a high-speed machine operation environment
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work independently
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in math
• Basic computer skills

The machine operator is responsible for the continuous production of LNC. Projects and the production of LNC take place in the field, where temporary field production sites are set up to serve each project. The machine operator spends most of the time in the field operating LNC production for project deliveries, and as a person you are:

• Self-motivated, highly dedicated professional motivated by driving sustainable change
• Proactive individual who remains focused and productive under pressure
• Committed to ongoing professional learning and development
• You have experience with the operation of machines or heavy equipment, you are able to follow detailed instructions and processes, and you have good problem-solving skills
• You are driven by a desire to be part of our team and make our earth green again!

Responsibilities

• Execute efficient continuous production of Liquid Natural Clay (LNC)
• Run production cycles by setting up machines according to specific formulation instructions (calibration, etc.)
• Control and regulate machine settings, as well as monitor input and output control
• Inspect raw material and production processes with high precision
• Feed raw materials or parts to semi-automated machines
• Ensure production batches consistently run according to formulation and instructions (including processing time, production steps and stages, loading, offloading, etc.)
• Ensure optimal utilization of machines and production equipment throughout the work hours
• Test system operation regularly
• Address any problems that might arise during the change
• Check performance for any machine-related errors or flaws
• Escalate any issues or service disruptions that cannot be resolved swiftly to the Field Engineer
• Support the team in other areas and carry out various fieldwork tasks as required

Qualifications

• Experience with operating heavy machinery and mechanical equipment
• Experience with production processes involving managing formulation and composition of ingredients etc.
• Experience working with production processes involving liquids/fluids
• Fluent in English is a requirement. Additional Spanish language skills are an advantage

Personality traits

• You are technically literate and pay attention to details
• You think on your feet, react, and respond to situations quickly and proactively
• You are a team player able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without confusion
• You are enthusiastic with positive energy that inspires people around you
• You are a good problem solver able to control situations and maintain a peaceful working environment
• You remain attentive and focused even when doing repetitive tasks over long periods
• You respect health and safety and actively promote this to your coworkers
• You always go the extra mile and perform well under pressure
• You are an effective problem solver
• You are a hard worker, intensely driven, determined, goal-oriented, and intrinsically motivated
• You are super focused and never diverge from your objectives, no matter how many obstacles you face
• You are committed to delivering results; giving up is never an option

Skills

• Mechanical operator skills.
• Ability to operate control systems, pumps, valves, flowmeters, etc.
• Understanding of manufacturing and production procedures
• Adherence to health and safety laws
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork and communication
• Physical stamina and strength
• Ability to handle heavy equipment
• Problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated, hands-on, proactive, and independent
• Enjoy working in multi-disciplinary and highly diverse teams

Job summary

Operate or tend one or more types of cutting or forming machine tools. May include such machine tools as band saws, chop saws, hand sanders, and a variety of hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate machines to cut, shape, drill, or mill non-metallic material
• Read job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements
• Align layout marks with die or blade. Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scale, rule, or template. Install machine components, such as chucks or cutting tools, according to specifications
• Remove burrs or sharp edges from the workpiece, using a file, hand grinder, wire brush, or power tools. Verify conformance to specifications
• Examine completed work pieces for defects, such as chipped edges and marred surfaces, and sort defective pieces according to defect
• Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to the machine reservoir
• Other duties as assigned

Nature and scope

• Refers complex, unusual problems to the supervisor
• Under general supervision, exercises some judgment in accordance with well-defined policies, procedures, and techniques. Work typically involves regular review of output by a senior coworker or supervisor

Work environment

• Typically in a comfortable environment but with regular exposure to factors such as temperature extremes, moving machinery, loud noises, and fumes, which may cause noticeable discomfort or a moderate risk of accident or illness
• No travel required
• Requires intermittent periods during which continuous physical exertion is required, such as walking, standing, stooping, climbing, lifting, and maneuvering material or equipment, some of which may be heavy (50+ pounds) or awkward

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
• Must pass the pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable

Education and experience

• HS Diploma or GED is strongly preferred. Specialized skills training/certification may be required. Generally 2-5 years of experience in the area of responsibility.

The individual who fills this position will be responsible for running the machine for processing, rejecting, and/or re-associating incoming mail daily. This position is considered a production-oriented position, which includes adherence to Client based service level agreement goals.

Requirements

• Lockbox experience – nice to have
• Knowledge of MS Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Ability to lift 20 to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Quality and production are extremely important
• Experience with multitasking
• Attention to detail and organization skills
• Performs clerical task functions as needed
• High school diploma or GED

Responsibilities

• You will be running a machine and making sure all processed documents are going in correctly
• Standing job 90% of the time and more hands-on type of role
• Working independently but being a team player. Minimum supervision
• Performs clerical tasks functions as needed