Process Technician 2nd Shift - Military veterans preferred

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Process Technician to join our dynamic team at Petmate. The Process Technician is a critical role within the plant, responsible for programming (mold/machine start-ups) maintaining, and troubleshooting various molding machines that produce key product lines for Petmate. This position demands a sense of urgency and strong problem-solving skills to ensure consistent product quality from the machines. The Process Technician will engage appropriate internal and external resources as needed, focusing on implementing solutions that enhance machine and product quality. This role involves close interaction with all plant leadership and key technical personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow procedures & protocols for addressing press alarms, production priorities, and test runs.
• Complete production test runs including summarizing the results and communicating with all stakeholders.
• The ability to transfer processes from one machine to another, also validating the process on the new machine, requires the creation of a setup sheet and appropriate storage and filing of those documents.
• Collaborate with engineering, tooling, quality, maintenance, and production to identify and solve problems.
• Document all process changes on the “process change log worksheet”.
• Follow standardized communication processes and expectations.
• Requires verbal, written, and formal communications to peers (shift to shift handoff), operations, and vendors.
• Work from a predetermined priority schedule subject to change to start or stop a molding machine including a complete shutdown to prepare the press for mold changes.
• Support the molding floor to ensure molds are running at an established process within the defined process parameters, targeting on hitting cycle time standards and defined scrap percentages.
• Maintain cycle standards and process conditions of assigned presses while ensuring a consistent Operating Equipment Efficiency (OEE) and driving scrap to the standard percentages.
• Set machine control parameters to regulate molding temperature, volume, pressure, and time.
• Work collaboratively with the molding department team members to keep a clean & safe working environment on and around the presses including the molding machine.
• Provide support to molding and the quality team on all corrective actions.
• Assist in setup of work cell area when needed and ensure processes are being followed.
• In certain molding areas, perform camera setup and installation as requested by Operations and Engineering for process improvement.
• Setup and/or tuning of Robots, and Sprue Pickers.
• Basic troubleshooting of molding defects (flash, short shots, color containment, etc..)
• Perform color changes to meet production needs.
• Accurately record process parameters on Audit Sheets and/or First Piece Approval Sheets.
• Collect and analyze data to determine root cause and develop long term solutions.
• Communicate with Quality Techs and IMM Operator regarding any defects.
• Notify the supervisor of any quality issues or molding problems.
• Inspect cell zone to ensure all machines are running to process standards.
• Perform startup and shut down procedures of molding presses per the process shutdown/startup process sheet.
• Check equipment for repairs and problems, notify supervisor and/or maintenance when they occur.
• Help maintain housekeeping and appearance of the assigned IMM areas.
• Assist in mold changes when required.
• Repair or assist with water leaks when required.
• Perform basic TPM on tools/molds as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the lead person, supervisor, and/or department manager.
• Help identify potential or unsafe work conditions.
• Mut be available to work overtime when needed.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate issues involving machines or programming of machines.
• Strong troubleshooting electro-mechanical skill sets either through experience or formalized education.
• Troubleshooting and programming knowledge of mechanical, electrical hydraulics, drives, and relays.
• Sense of urgency and commitment when machines are down.
• Commitment to quality performance and products and able to maintain production standards.
• Experience working with minimal supervision and a self-starter who is highly motivated.
• High mathematical aptitude.
• Must be able to read, comprehend, write, and communicate in English. 
• Comply with safety standards and regulations to maintain a safe working environment.
   
   

Education and Experience:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree – preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience troubleshooting and programming in at least one of the following: injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion molding.
• Levels will be determined upon experience in injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion molding and certifications.
• RJG Certification (preferred)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit and kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
 

Our facility operates with machinery that can be loud and requires ear protection and eye protection. The manufacturing environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, with exposure to various materials and processes that may result in a dirty workspace. We prioritize safety and cleanliness, providing all necessary protective gear and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Despite the challenging conditions, we foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where teamwork and professional growth are highly valued.

ABOUT PETMATE

Petmate is a global leader in pet supply products. Some of our most beloved brands include Chuckit!®, Arm & Hammer®, Barkbone®, Gamma2®, HyperPet®, JW Pet®, La-Z-Boy®, Mad Cat®, Petmate®, Vittles Vault® and Wild Eats®. 

Over 60 years ago, Petmate began with a single focus on providing safe pet transportation, which resulted in the creation of the first dog kennel. Flash forward to today, and the same love and bond that existed to provide safe travels for our pets now permeates through every step of pet and pet owners’ shared adventure. 

Knowing that pets are every bit as much a part of the family, Petmate takes pride in developing new, superior products that improve the quality of life and enrich the bond created between people & their pets. From environmentally responsible manufacturing to rigorous product testing, we place safety at the core of what we make and how we make it. 

Our 25 trusted brands continually drive innovation across pet categories, spanning dog and cat toys, feeding and watering, food storage, carriers, shelters, bedding, consumables and more.

OUR WHY: To enrich the lives of families by cultivating the bond between people & their pets 

OUR VISION: Families everywhere trust us more than any other company to enhance the well-being of their pets at every step of their adventure

 Petmate Core Values

OWN IT! We take full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes

STEADFAST DETERMINATION: Steady pursuit of what's next with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm

DO THE RIGHT THING: Consistent alignment of actions and values in every situation, ensuring you're always true to what's right

SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE: We prioritize the safety of employees, consumers, and pets without compromise

Petmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.