2nd Shift Lead Technician

• Perform complete machine setups and changeovers.
• Optimize machine cycle times.
• Adjust processing parameters for maximum efficiency.
• Verify recipes and machine settings before production begins.
• Reduce setup time through standardized procedures.
• Develop and maintain machine setup documentation.

Serve as the first level of technical support by diagnosing and resolving issues involving:

• Material feeding
• Heating systems
• Cooling systems
• Vacuum systems
• Air systems
• Mold performance
• Part quality
• Trim operation
• Product stacking
• Machine alarms

Escalate issues requiring maintenance support when appropriate.

• Verify products meet customer specifications.
• Monitor: Product weight Color Wall thickness Dimensions Trim quality Cosmetic appearance
• Product weight
• Color
• Wall thickness
• Dimensions
• Trim quality
• Cosmetic appearance
• Investigate quality concerns.
• Implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Quality to reduce scrap and improve yields.
• Document process adjustments and production issues.

• Perform routine machine inspections.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities.
• Identify worn tooling and machine components.
• Monitor: Chains Bearings Pierce wheels Cooling systems Vacuum systems Heating elements
• Chains
• Bearings
• Pierce wheels
• Cooling systems
• Vacuum systems
• Heating elements
• Recommend maintenance repairs before failures occur.

• Train new Machine Technicians and Operators.
• Coach employees on: Machine operation Safety Quality expectations Standard work Troubleshooting techniques
• Machine operation
• Safety
• Quality expectations
• Standard work
• Troubleshooting techniques
• Verify employee competencies.
• Support implementation of the Thermoforming Training Academy.
• Assist in developing training materials and work instructions.

• Promote a strong safety culture.
• Ensure proper PPE is worn.
• Correct unsafe behaviors immediately.
• Report safety concerns.
• Participate in safety investigations.
• Conduct equipment safety inspections.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained.

• Communicate production status during shift handoffs.
• Coordinate with: Thermoforming Supervisor Maintenance Extrusion Quality Shipping
• Thermoforming Supervisor
• Maintenance
• Extrusion
• Quality
• Shipping
• Report machine downtime and production concerns promptly.

• Scan rolls into QAD.
• Complete production documentation.
• Verify production counts.
• Record downtime.
• Complete shift reports.
• Document corrective actions.
• Maintain setup documentation.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 3–5 years of thermoforming experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to read production documentation and specifications.
• Experience operating thermoforming equipment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Experience with QAD or similar ERP systems preferred.
• Forklift certification (or ability to become certified).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to train and mentor others.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Thermoforming processes
• Machine setup
• Mold changes
• Material handling
• Plastic behavior during forming
• Heating and cooling systems
• Vacuum systems
• Air systems
• Lean manufacturing principles
• Root cause analysis
• Problem solving
• Preventative maintenance
• Workplace safety

The employee must be able to:

• Lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment.
• Wear required PPE.
• Work in noisy environments requiring hearing protection.

This position is performed in a manufacturing facility where employees are routinely exposed to:

• Moving machinery
• Hot surfaces
• Plastic fumes (non-hazardous)
• Noise
• Dust
• Oils and lubricants
• Temperature fluctuations

Proper PPE is required at all times.

The Lead Thermoforming Technician is expected to:

• Lead by example.
• Promote teamwork and accountability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and mentor employees.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
• Demonstrate professionalism and positive communication.
• Act as the technical expert and first point of contact for production issues on the shift