Production Operator - Paint Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Production Operator – Paint Manufacturing

Location - Houston, Texas

Pay Rate & Schedule

1st Shift

Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM - $16.00/hr

2nd Shift

Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM–10:30 PM - $16.50/hr

3rd Shift

Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 PM–6:30 AM - $17.00/hr

Overtime: May be required during the week and on Saturdays.

Position Overview

The Production Operator performs assigned manufacturing tasks according to established procedures to maintain safety, product quality, production efficiency, and service standards. Responsibilities may include tank washing, material preparation and coordination, product filling, batch making, and milling or grinding operations. Employees must follow all safety guidelines, maintain a clean work environment, and meet production targets while maintaining quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

General Production & Safety

• Operate production equipment safely and according to established procedures and industry standards.
• Complete daily production tasks, preventative maintenance activities, process data collection, and required documentation.
• Monitor production targets and maintain established quality standards.
• Report safety hazards, product defects, and production issues to the Team Leader or Shift Supervisor.
• Complete corrective action or hazard reports when necessary.
• Provide progress updates and participate in meetings, quality investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all company, site, laboratory, health, safety, environmental, and product safety policies.

Tank Washing

• Clean portable tanks, valves, filters, pumps, and other equipment using approved cleaning chemicals, pressure washers, brushes, scrapers, and other tools.
• Operate automated tank-washing equipment and pressure washers.
• Maintain cleanliness and housekeeping standards in the assigned work area.

Material Preparation & Coordination

• Store and organize raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods.
• Retrieve and deliver materials needed for batch making, adjustments, tinting, and filling operations.
• Operate a forklift as needed to transport materials, subject to required training and certification.
• Inspect forklifts daily and complete required inspection documentation when assigned.
• Return unused materials to designated storage areas and dispose of or recondition empty containers appropriately.
• Assist filling operators with obtaining the correct containers and transport finished goods to designated storage or shipping areas.
• Label and date hazardous waste containers and move full containers to the designated accumulation area.
• Maintain clean storage areas and remove trash and rags at the end of the shift.
• Perform other trained production tasks as needed.

Product Filling (Fill-Off)

• Transfer approved products into appropriate containers, ranging from one-quart cans to tankers.
• Fill approved batches ranging from one gallon to 5,000 gallons into designated shipping containers.
• Measure and weigh products accurately to ensure proper quantities and yields.
• Inspect filled containers for leaks and ensure all openings are properly closed and tightened.
• Complete batch tickets, label and number containers, and prepare required shipping documentation.
• Deliver approved and documented containers to the shipping department.
• Clean pumps, tanks, filters, filter housings, and hoses using appropriate cleaning materials.
• Properly label and stage cleaning materials and maintain area housekeeping standards.

Batch Making

• Add raw materials in the sequence specified on batch tickets.
• Weigh and measure materials accurately to ensure batch quality and production yield.
• Coordinate sample testing with Quality Control (QC) and make adjustments as directed.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with filling and tank-washing operations after appropriate training.

Milling & Grinding Operations

• Operate machine controls to maintain specified flow rates and temperature limits.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout/Tryout (LOTO) procedures.
• Set up pump systems to transfer materials between vessels.
• Set up and dismantle milling equipment, including selecting appropriate media and screens.
• Configure equipment for internal pin disruption operations when required.
• Clean and inspect mills, monitor equipment wear, and use wear-indicator tools.
• Understand color development and use grind-check blocks or other fineness-testing devices.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Prior manufacturing experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a paint manufacturing facility preferred.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow safety instructions and operating procedures.
• Ability to read product labels and accurately measure and weigh materials.
• Ability to pass the required forklift test and obtain forklift certification.
• Ability to operate a forklift safely according to established instructions.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and balance competing priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• English-speaking ability required.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle containers weighing up to 75 pounds, including five-gallon pails and 60-pound pigment bags.
• Ability to maneuver drums weighing up to 600 pounds.
• Ability to lift metal objects weighing up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs while wearing steel-toed footwear.
• Adequate arm and hand steadiness and near vision to handle materials, read labels, and inspect details.
• Ability to work in hot and cold environments, inclement weather, and a heavy manufacturing environment with exposure to chemical agents.

Additional Requirements

• Must be clean-shaven.
• Shirts must be tucked in.
• Overtime may be required during the week and on Saturdays.
• Employees must be willing to perform other production duties for which they have been trained as needed.