What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Technician - Palletizer position at Envases Commerce, LLC?
POSITION SUMMARY:
Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art can-making technology, this high speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.
The Production Technician for the Palletizer Machine is responsible for the continuous, high-speed operation, monitoring, and minor maintenance of the automatic can palletizing equipment. This role ensures that finished, quality-approved aluminum cans are correctly stacked, sheeted, strapped, and secured onto pallets according to customer specifications, maintaining product count accuracy and package integrity for distribution.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
PALLETIZER OPERATIONS AND SETUP
Machine Operation: Directly operate, load materials for, and monitor the automated Palletizer machinery, including infeed conveyors, can layer formers, tier sheet dispensers, and stretch wrappers.
Recipe Management: Select and input the correct stacking pattern and pallet configuration ("recipe") based on the size of the can and specific customer order requirements.
Material Supply: Ensure a continuous supply of essential packaging materials, including pallets, top frames, tier sheets, and stretch wrap film. Load and adjust material dispensers as needed.
Flow Management: Monitor the flow of finished cans into the Palletizer to prevent jams, spills, or damage and maintain optimal throughput.
QUALITY CONTROL AND PACKAGING INTEGRITY
Pallet Inspection: Conduct frequent inspections of finished pallets to verify the stack stability, proper application of tier sheets, correct positioning of top frames, and secure strappers.
Count Verification: Monitor can counter systems to ensure accurate pallet counts and reconcile any discrepancies with production records.
Labeling and Documentation: Generate, apply, and verify all pallet labels, ensuring lot numbers, customer codes, and quantity information are correct for shipping and inventory control.
Defect Response: Identify and respond immediately to any issues that could compromise the physical integrity of the pallet load (e.g., loose wrapping, shifted layers).
TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
Troubleshooting: Rapidly diagnose and clear machine jams within the palletizing area and perform minor mechanical and pneumatic adjustments to ensure the automated system operates smoothly.
Basic Maintenance: Perform routine preventative maintenance (PM) on the palletizer, including cleaning sensors, inspecting drive chains, lubricating moving components, and replacing minor wear parts.
Collaboration: Work closely with Maintenance Technicians on complex repairs and major system overhauls.
SAFETY AND HOUSEKEEPING
Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to all plant safety rules and procedures, especially regarding conveyors, moving machinery, and lift equipment, utilizing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) when necessary.
Work Area: Maintain a clean, organized, and debris-free area around the palletizer and finished goods staging zones.
GENERAL DUTIES
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Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and chemical handling procedures.
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Accurately record production data, quality metrics, and maintenance activities on shift logs and digital systems.
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organization in all areas of the Back End line.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
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Preferred – A Technical degree or the equivalent experience, defined as greater than 4 years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment
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Required – High School Diploma or GED equivalent
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Preferred – 2 or more years of production experience in a high-speed manufacturing setting, including at least 1 year of mechanical experience
GENERAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
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Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to understand and troubleshoot complex automation, mechanical, and pneumatic systems used in packaging.
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Attention to Detail: Excellent focus on precision and product packaging quality, ensuring final presentation meets customer and safety standards.
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Computer Skills: Basic proficiency in using computerized control panels and data entry systems for managing pallet recipes and inventory tracking.
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Physical Demands: Must be able to stand for prolonged periods, walk frequently, and occasionally lift or move items (up to 50 lbs).
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Teamwork: Ability to communicate effectively with forklift operators, quality assurance, and supervision to coordinate seamless product movement.
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Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds
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Must be flexible to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and overtime, as required.
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Preference will be given to local candidates.
SOFTWARE/COMPUTER SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
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General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Work, Excel, Outlook, Google Workspace, and web-site software
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL FACTORS:
The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job; Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
12 hour rotating shifts 4 days on and 4 days off; Rotating shifts requires working night shifts; Present to fulfill job duties & meet operational demands/support; Schedule may vary depending on plant operational needs thus flexibility is required which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime; Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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