First Shift Kiln Machine Operator

Job Overview:

Operates and monitors firing kilns and related equipment to process products according to established specifications, production schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements. Responsible for maintaining accurate production records, monitoring kiln performance, and ensuring consistent product quality throughout the firing process.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review work orders, production travelers, processing charts, and operating instructions to determine product specifications, firing requirements, and processing parameters.
• Establish and verify kiln firing cycles, schedules, temperature profiles, and operating settings in accordance with approved procedures and product requirements.
• Safely start up, operate, monitor, and shut down kilns, ovens, and related processing equipment.
• Monitor and control kiln temperature, humidity, ventilation, and other critical process variables to ensure compliance with established specifications.
• Read, interpret, and record data from gauges, controllers, data loggers, and monitoring systems; make process adjustments as required to maintain product quality.
• Continuously observe equipment operation and product condition to identify defects, process deviations, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns.
• Perform routine inspections and minor preventative maintenance activities, including cleaning equipment, work areas, and accessible machine components.
• Report equipment issues, process abnormalities, quality concerns, and maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate manual and computerized production, process, quality, and inspection records in accordance with company procedures.
• Verify completed work meets quality standards and documented process requirements before releasing product to the next operation.
• Follow all safety, environmental, quality, and operational procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve process efficiency, quality, safety, and equipment performance.
• Assist with training and cross-training activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and business objectives.

Qualifications & Skills:

• A High School diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
• Demonstrate knowledge of manufacturing principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions
• Computer Skills: Basic knowledge in computers, accessing email, training, and documents via company network.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in the line with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, manufacturing equipment, and production machinery.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate equipment, handle materials, and perform inspection tasks.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, and arms.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb as required to operate, clean, and maintain equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect materials and identify defects with a high degree of accuracy, including the ability to distinguish variations in appearance and quality.
• ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely move and handle production materials throughout the manufacturing process.
• Ability to work overtime, extended shifts, and weekends as business needs require.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Shift: First Shift

Compensation: $17.50 per hour

Additional Details : Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets. Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries. What's in it for you on Day 1: * Medical, dental and vision insurance plans * Prescription Drug Plans * Basic Life Insurance * 401k plan with company match * Tuition Reimbursement Program * Employee Referral Program * Hourly Overtime opportunities * Paid Time Off * Paid Holidays Exciting Onsite Perks: * Free coffee available at our cafeteria * Employee Appreciation Events Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees. Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process. Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status. ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment. Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.