Plant Operator

DEPARTMENT: Manufacturing

LOCATION: Frederick, MD - Onsite

REPORTS TO: Pilot Plant General Manager

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Non- Exempt (Hourly)

General Summary / Position Purpose

The Plant Operator is part of the manufacturing team, safely operating in the production area with limited supervision.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Participates in research and development activities with the Scientists and Engineers, including samples, specimen, prototypes, products, data, and reports from customer specifications or business- team requests.

  • Produces materials (including but not limited to samples, specimen, prototypes, products, data, and reports) and manages sample (including specimen, prototypes, products, etc.) inventories to meet required quantity, property, and performance within the given time frame.

  • Supports and conducts quality control of IW products, including determining causes of product/materials failure and develops solutions with the Engineers and Scientists.

  • Operates lab and operation equipment, including executing designed SOPs, experiment new processes as instructed, record and report experiment results and observations. Equipment includes pressure vessel, hydraulic press, wood working tools such as saw, and CNC.

  • Cleans and maintains lab equipment, including updating work logs, recalibration, and flagging maintenance needs of equipment.

  • Organizes and stores samples in accordance with all safety and other requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the sample.

  • Works closely with the Lab and Ops teams.

  • Maintains lab inventory, notifying management when supplies are needed.

  • Adheres to company’s safety policies at all times.

  • Adheres to the company’s policies and standards and ensures that laws and regulations are being

    followed.

  • Performs in a manner consistent with company Core Values and Core Practices.

  • Promotes InventWood values and culture within the organization.

  • Participates in special projects, as directed, or approved by the Technical Director.

  • Maintains strictest confidentiality.

    The duties described above are not inclusive. Additional duties may be permanently assigned or required from time to time due to the need to respond to various external and internal needs and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

  • BS in Materials Science, Chemistry, or other related engineering disciplines with 1+ years of industrial experience OR technical degree/certification with 2+ years of industrial experience OR high school diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of industrial experience.

  • General analytical skills and ability to apply scientific and engineering principles to solve problems.

  • Fluently speak, read, and write English.

  • Proven ability to manage lab experiments.

  • Proven ability to operate production equipment or ability to learn to do so.

  • Ability to follow safety requirements.

  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

  • Strong emotional intelligence and humility; ability to manage stress, including but not limited to

    meeting deadlines.

  • Must be able to work on a regular basis during regular business hours. Must be available to work

    evenings/weekend to meet project deadlines.

  • Ability to work onsite 5 days a week.

    Physical demands

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50-75% of time with prolonged periods standing at the equipment.

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

  • Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization’s physical premises.

  • Must be able to identify and understand visual and audio signals.

  • Must be able to maneuver small instruments and tools with precision.

    Work Environment

    The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in a manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Organizational Relationships

    This position reports to the Pilot Plant General Manager. This position interacts with the employees, customers, vendors, the government, and the public.

    Promotion Path

    This position may promote upwards or acquire added responsibilities or staff, based on company growth.