Expander Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT, Infiltrator Water Technologies is the leading provider of engineered plastic chambers, synthetic aggregates, tanks, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and accessories for the onsite/decentralized wastewater and storm water management industries. The majority of Infiltrator products are manufactured from recycled plastic. Founded in 1987, we operate throughout the US and Canada with 8 manufacturing plants in the US, dedicated sales, and corporate team members.  Infiltrator is a pioneer in innovative plastic technologies for underground water management. Infiltrator components are used in most onsite septic systems installed in the United States and Canada. Infiltrator is a proud Corporate Partner of Habitat for Humanity and each year donates components for 50 septic systems serving Habitat homes in North America. Infiltrator is committed to advancing the state of the art in all fronts, including product design, manufacturing, materials, wastewater science, marketing, management, and employee development. In other words, we strive to be the best we can be.

Job Purpose

In this role, the qualified candidate's primary responsibilities will be to expand polystyrene bead, manage inventory (with kanban as required), load and unload trucks, and complete maintenance as required. Work must be completed that meets or exceeds the expectations in our quality plan, as well as helping to bring our vision to be a world-class manufacturing location to life. The candidate will be trained and expected to understand and meet their respective job requirements, namely in understanding equipment operation, LOTO and safe work methods, and TPM maintenance activities. This will require good communication with the shift supervisors and plant management team. The operator must meet or exceed the daily goals, including Yield, Scrap, Cycle time (parts per hour), Downtime, and any other metrics set by the leadership team. This is to be accomplished by operating the expansion equipment, following the standard work while looking for continuous improvement opportunities.  This may include assisting and working with engineers who may be on site or working remotely. Overall, the qualified candidate should lead by example in maintaining and operating a world-class manufacturing facility to promote a safe and professional work environment.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Maintain a World Class operation to ensure employee Safety.
• Produce Quality product and complete random quality checks as required.
• Troubleshoot, adjust, or repair automation equipment to support customer demand and the overall production process.
• Perform process troubleshooting and automation machine adjustments to maintain expected production rates and processing of quality parts.  
• Collaborate with fellow team members.
• Complete TPM or routine maintenance as required.
• Complete the required paperwork throughout and after the shift and submit it to the supervisor.
• Expand 1st and 2nd pass bead within quality specifications
• Conduct wet and dry density checks on bead, as required
• Vacuum 1st pass bead bags
• Use a forklift to maintain supply of raw bead to expanders
• Contribute to Pre-shift meeting discussion driving continuous improvement.

Experience, Educational and Technical Qualifications

High School diploma and additional technical certifications preferred. General manufacturing and automation experience is preferred but willing to train the right candidate. Basic math (keeping time, calculating weights / densities) and reading comprehension skills, including the ability to read and document measurements. Communication skills - both written and oral. Capable of demonstrating competency and the ability to work with trouble shoot automation found in other fast-paced industries such as automotive, food and beverage, distribution warehouses, or other relevant technology spaces. Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.

Abilities Required

• Must be able to come to work promptly and regularly
• Must be able to take direction and work well with others
• Must be able to work under the stress of deadlines
• Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately
• Must be able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned
• Must be able to work safely and within all safety regulations

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ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.