Machine Operator Flake To Pellet (12-Hour Shift)

Job Details: Job Location: VA - WINCHESTER, VA, Salary Range: $24.36Hourly, Job Category: Manufacturing, Southeastern Container, Inc.  is one of the largest leading manufacturers of PET beverage bottles and preforms, proudly supplying the Coca-Cola bottling system throughout the East Coast and Midwest. For over 35 years, we’ve built a reputation for stability, quality, and sustained growth. We are now seeking talented individuals to join our team for the following role:

The Flake to Pellet Machine Operator is responsible for the safe, continuous, and efficient operation of the NGR flake-to-pellet system, crane system, and related equipment used to produce PET resin pellets that meet established quality requirements. The role includes equipment start-up and shutdown, process monitoring, machine setup, cleaning, routine maintenance, minor troubleshooting, quality inspection, documentation, and adherence to product safety and regulatory requirements.

Safely start, stop, set up, and operate the flake-to-pellet machine in accordance with established safety, lock out/tag out, quality, and operating procedures.
Monitor flake feed and material supply to support continuous equipment operation and minimize interruptions.
Monitor operating conditions and production output for compliance with quality specifications. Notify the FTP Technical Lead, Team Leader, or Operations Manager of actual or potential problems.
Troubleshoot minor process and equipment issues and adjust or profile the machine within authorized operating parameters.
Inspect finished pellets and complete required quality checks. Assist with identifying, isolating, and properly handling product that may be out of specification.
Accurately account for machine scrap, production quantities, downtime, and other required operating information.
Perform routine operator maintenance, cleaning, inspections, screen changes, filter changes and minor troubleshooting. Promptly report conditions requiring technical or maintenance support.
Operate the crane system and related material-handling equipment only when trained, qualified, and authorized.
Maintain a clean and orderly work area in accordance with housekeeping, sanitation, and safety expectations.
Complete production, quality, maintenance, safety, and other required reports accurately and on time.
Comply with all requirements relating to employee safety, product safety, product legality, regulatory compliance, and quality systems.
Report unsafe conditions, injuries, spills, equipment damage, quality concerns, and process deviations promptly to appropriate leadership.
Participate in required training, safety meetings, continuous-improvement activities, and shift handoffs.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Team Leader, FTP Technical Lead, or Operations Manager.
Qualifications: Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Ability to read, understand, and follow written work instructions, safety rules, quality specifications, equipment procedures, and production schedules.
Basic math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and accurately record production and quality information.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to learn industrial equipment operation, process controls, routine maintenance, and minor troubleshooting.

Ability to recognize abnormal equipment or process conditions and escalate concerns promptly.
Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with Team Leaders, technical personnel, maintenance, quality, and other production employees.
Ability to use required computer terminals, touchscreens, scanners, or electronic reporting systems after training.
Ability to work a 12-hour shift, including required overtime, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.
Ability to comply with all PPE, lockout/tagout, machine-guarding, fall-protection, housekeeping, food/product safety, and other applicable safety requirements.
Ability to complete Company-required training and obtain any required equipment authorization, including crane or powered industrial truck qualification when assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

One or more years of manufacturing, plastics, recycling, extrusion, pelletizing, or other machine-operation experience.
Experience monitoring automated production equipment and responding to alarms, process deviations, or quality issues.
Experience performing basic preventive maintenance, changeovers, cleaning, or equipment troubleshooting.
Prior experience with PET resin, material handling systems, cranes, or powered industrial trucks.

Benefits Include :

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
Paid Time Off
401(k) with Company Match up to 6%
Commpany Paid Life Insurance