Sander Operator

Job Description Summary The Sander Operator safely operates and monitors automated top-head and bottom-head sanding equipment used to process Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels and other mass timber products. This position is responsible for producing panels that meet dimensional, thickness, surface-finish, and quality requirements while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the sanding process.

The Sander Operator performs equipment setup, process monitoring, product inspection, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting activities while working closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Material Handling, and Finishing personnel.

Job Description Job Description Summary

• Operate, monitor, and control automated sanding equipment, conveyors, dust collection systems, and related production equipment in accordance with safety, quality, and operating requirements.
• Perform equipment startup, shutdown, product changeovers, machine adjustments, and process setup activities to support production schedules and product specifications.
• Inspect products throughout the sanding process and verify compliance with thickness, dimensional, surface-quality, and customer requirements using established inspection methods and measuring tools.
• Identify and report product defects, process deviations, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns while assisting in corrective actions as required.
• Change abrasive belts and consumable sanding components, monitor sanding performance, and make process adjustments necessary to maintain product quality and production efficiency.
• Perform routine equipment inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and operator-level maintenance activities while coordinating with Maintenance on troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance efforts.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, downtime, and traceability records in accordance with company requirements.
• Coordinate material flow and production priorities with Quality, Maintenance, Material Handling, CNC Operations, Finishing, and supervisory personnel.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and support housekeeping, 5S, dust-control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all safety procedures, including machine guarding, lockout/tagout, personal protective equipment requirements, and safe material handling practices.
• Participate in training, cross-training, safety programs, continuous improvement activities, and other assigned responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing, industrial equipment operation, woodworking, machining, finishing, sanding, or related production experience
• Ability to safely operate industrial manufacturing equipment and follow written work instructions and operating procedure's
• Ability to use measuring devices and inspection tools to verify product quality and dimensional requirement's
• Ability to perform equipment adjustments, changeovers, routine maintenance activities, and basic troubleshooting's
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, production, and housekeeping standard's
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, and support personnel
• Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.

Preferred

• Experience operating wide-belt sanders, feed-through sanders, planers, CNC equipment, woodworking machinery, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience in CLT, glulam, lumber, plywood, veneer, engineered wood products, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience with overhead cranes, forklifts, conveyors, or automated material handling systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, continuous improvement, and root-cause problem-solving methodologies.