Machine Operator Flake To Pellet (12-Hour Shift)

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.

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