Apprentice System Operator Jobs in Hixson, TN (NOW HIRING)

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as they perform specific job functions. These include:

• Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
• Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
• Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering and environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
• Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

A Die Shop Specialist is responsible for die shop operations including all pre-make ready and machine preparation while ensuring that the pre-make ready quality and operating standards are met and completed prior to end of shift to maintain efficiencies of the die-cutting department. The Die Shop Specialist is a developmental role and will simultaneously be in training as a Cutter Operator Apprentice while performing die shop responsibilities.  [JH1]  

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reviews all die shop instructions on the work jacket and advises the supervisor of   any incorrect or non-recorded information that is necessary for proper pre-make ready.
• Prepares the pre-make ready(s) per the daily production schedule and as instructed; responsible for the accuracy and overall quality of the pre-make ready and performs all quality checks as required in SCT Quality Procedures.
• Performs inspection of all new tooling to ensure quality. 
• Inspects the dies and tooling as they are being placed inside the chase and recommends corrections as needed.
• Performs job tasks in a manner that ensures all jobs made available on the shift are broken down and re-chased with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and safety in order to minimize downtime to operations and ensure quality product for both internal and external customers.
• Maintains Die shop supply orders; alerts Department manager when supplies are low.
• Responsible for maintaining all equipment and tools assigned to the job, notifies the supervisor of any   additional tools or equipment that would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation.
• Actively maintains the cleanliness and order of the work area; stores tools, dies, strips, etc. in their proper places. 
• Operates die cutters during breaks and lunches to ensure continuous production and maximize efficiency.

APPRENTICE RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Under the instruction of a trainer, performs duties necessary to reach a standard level of proficiency of both die shop operations and the Cutter Operator position within the timeframes and objectives outlined in the apprenticeship training plan.
• Develops knowledge and skill required to safely perform die shop responsibilities and operate Die-Cutting machine in a safe and consistent manner, while maintaining standard operating procedures; advises Supervisor or trainer of any information regarding the safety or performance issues with the machine.
• Learns to troubleshoot and resolve various issues encountered when running different styles of cartons or substrates.
• Develops skills to diagnose and assist in minor repairs or resolve machine malfunctions. 
• Reviews and fully understands all preventative maintenance responsibilities of an operator; learns proper procedures to perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance to be performed by operators. 
• Develops knowledge and skills necessary to successfully produce product in a manner that safely keeps down time to a minimum and meets customer standards of quality.
• Ensures that finished products with defects are properly scrapped and discarded while consistently following procedures to minimize waste.
• Logs productivity and provides comments for each production job in the manufacturing computer system; accurately completes production report and records production data; sets up and uses various scanners as needed.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Thoroughly reviews and is responsible for learning all SCT Quality procedures and standards including required quality checks and procedures, as well as any specific customer specifications or quality standards; actively works with the crew to ensure quality of the product meets all standards and customer specifications with regard to die-cutting, while also reviewing for paper and print quality or defects created upstream.
• Communicates effectively with other team members throughout the shift and at shift change to share critical information necessary to perform the job safely and efficiently; collaborates regularly with Quality Technicians/Supervisor to obtain necessary approvals and to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Actively seeks and adopts new updates and improvements to processes, new procedures, and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation.
• Maintains a clean work environment in accordance with Food Safety and 5S program.

• Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines; uses situational awareness and actively looks for weak signals to identify unsafe behaviors and conditions; consistently wears appropriate PPE for the task at hand and within the assigned area.
• Assists other departments or positions with duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred; three to six months related experience and/or training. Must have basic computer skills and possess ability to utilize software; requires a strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Must be flexible to move to at least one evening shift after successfully completing apprenticeship training and when a Cutter Operator role is available.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have the ability to read and understand documents, letters, etc. and write legibly in English. Must be able to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.