Selection Line Production Operator

Company Background:

Del Conca USA is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial porcelain tiles and outdoor pavers, proudly producing our products in the USA at our state-of-the-art factory. The Del Conca Group is one of the most significant industrial entities in the Italian ceramic tile industry, comprising four manufacturing companies – Ceramica Faetano, Ceramica del Conca, Pastorelli, and Del Conca USA Inc. – a business corporation – Produco – and the Cino Mularoni Foundation, which is dedicated to social and cultural initiatives. Today, the Del Conca Group is recognized internationally for the superior quality of its products, the excellence of its service, its innovative capabilities, and the distinguished design it offers. After years of substantial investments in production capacity and global sales growth, the Del Conca Group has established itself as one of the leading and most important ceramic tile groups in Europe.

The planning and design of each collection is conceived and carried out in Italy, in the Group’s own research facility. An across-the-board creative process, the fruit of intensive teamwork involving designers, laboratory, and quality technicians to ensure uniquely distinctive products; all made in the USA at the high-tech facility in Loudon, TN, the latest proud achievement of the Del Conca Group.

This position is for our A-Shift!

Position Summary

The Production Operator is responsible for monitoring and maintaining automated tile production equipment in our SMART FACTORY environment. This includes overseeing machines such as unloading, brushing, surface, caliper, stackers/CPK, label, palletizer, and strapping systems to ensure proper tile flow, alignment, and quality. Operators are responsible for identifying and safely correcting abnormal conditions such as double-stacked tiles, broken tiles, or jams using approved E-Stop procedures. They perform basic material handling tasks such as loading glue pellets, cardboard, or labels, and assist with general line support including visual inspections, defect removal, and cleanup. This role requires close attention to detail, strong mechanical awareness, and adherence to all safety procedures when working near powered equipment, elevated platforms, or during maintenance activities. Operators must maintain communication with team members, report issues promptly, and ensure a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Run the sorting line and related equipment to ensure consistent and efficient operation.
• Program and set up line machinery according to production orders to ensure correct boxing and labeling.
• Visually inspect tiles and packaging throughout the process to verify that quality standards are achieved.
• Identify, flag, and report quality issues or defects to the Quality Control Specialist or Supervisor.
• Monitor the sorting line for jams, chips, damage, or irregular tile flow and take corrective action as needed.
• Ensure proper use of labels, corrugated boxes, and packaging materials for each production run.
• Maintain appropriate levels of operating supplies such as labels, corrugated boxes, and other materials.
• Lift, move, and handle completed products weighing up to 60 lbs. as part of normal duties.
• Operate a forklift as needed for material movement or pallet transport.
• Maintain accurate production and quality control logs in accordance with established procedures.
• Comply with all OSHA and company safety regulations and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth production flow.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support production efficiency, quality, and safety.

Qualifications

• 1 years of manufacturing experience desired.
• Must be highly motivated and able to work independently.

Competency

• Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication, active listening.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse groups to achieve goals.
• Safety Awareness: Demonstrated commitment to following OSHA and company safety procedures, lockout/tagout, PPE use, and hazard recognition.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying issues, analyzing options, and implementing solutions.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to maintain steady production flow and a safe, organized work environment.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies and responds to equipment or process issues quickly to minimize downtime and maintain quality.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced industrial setting and adjust to changing priorities or production demands.
• Dependability: Demonstrates consistent attendance, reliability, and accountability in completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift while operating or monitoring sorting line equipment.
• Regularly use hands to handle, grasp, or feel tiles, labels, corrugated boxes, and tools used in packaging and machine setup.
• Reach with hands and arms to load, stack, label, and remove tiles or materials from conveyors and pallets.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb stairs to access, clean, or adjust machinery and work areas.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move tiles, boxes, or materials weighing up to 60 pounds regularly.
• Must have sufficient hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle small labels, operate control panels, and use scanning or labeling equipment.
• Required to maintain balance and stability while working near moving conveyors or elevated platforms.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision for label verification, distance vision for line monitoring, color vision for product identification, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to hear alarms, warning signals, and verbal instructions in a production environment.
• Exposure to moderate to loud noise levels, dust, and temperature variations typical of a tile manufacturing environment.
• Must wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, cut-resistant sleeves, and steel toe boots.

Work Environment

The Sorting Line Operator works in a manufacturing environment that includes exposure to noise, dust, heat, and moving machinery. Temperatures may vary depending on production schedules and seasonal conditions. The position requires regular work around conveyors, forklifts, and other powered equipment. While performing job duties, the employee is frequently exposed to moderate to loud noise levels and must remain alert to surrounding activity. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, cut-resistant sleeves, hearing protection, and steel toe boots — must be worn at all times. The work pace is fast and requires focus, teamwork, and attention to safety while maintaining product quality and production efficiency.