Foam Processing Operator

Position: Foam Processing Operator

Location: Hickory

Department: Vacuum Automation Division

Type: Employee - Permanent

At Piab Group, we improve our customers' productivity, sustainability, and safety through evolving industrial automation and have done so since 1951. We believe in an automated world where no resources are wasted, and no humans are injured. With annual sales of ~3 billion SEK and more than 1200 employees, Piab is a global organization, serving customers in more than 100 countries from a vast network of subsidiaries and channel partners. Since 2018, Piab Group has been owned by Patricia Industries, part of Investor AB.
Piab serves a wide range of industries, including e-commerce logistics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, providing innovative vacuum automation solutions tailored to each sector.
Why Work With Us?

• Job Security: Join a stable employer with strong support from Patricia Industries and the Wallenberg family, committed to long-term growth and sustainability.
• Hands-On Work: Engage in practical, hands-on tasks and see the direct impact of your work.
• Inclusive Environment: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone's voice is valued.
• Global Impact: Work with a company that is a world leader in vacuum transport solutions.

Job mission
This is a production role with focus on the process of converting raw foam to a finished component for end of arm tooling. The foam pad is a critical part of each Vacuum EOAT, supporting a key function of the tool. With quality in the front of mind, this role involves multiple steps and quality check points to ensure a satisfactory product.

Key responsibilities

• Read and comprehend engineering drawings and direction
• Follow daily schedules to ensure delivery is met in a high-volume production environment
• Interact with 2D software to create programs to run cutting machines
• Operate and service the waterjet machines
• Operate and service the flatbed cutter
• Clean and quality inspect all foams post process
• Laminate various material layers pre and post process
• Maintain proper 5S of all workstations and storage areas

In this role, you are required to act according to the Piab Code of Conduct and know and follow the Piab values, mission and routines.

Key interfaces
The foam processing tech reports to the operations manager and works to a daily provided schedule to ensure production is met. The foam production team will work as a collaborative group to balance the individual requirements of the day. The position will require interfacing with the company ERP system to log time and complete jobs.

Skills and abilities

• Comfortable navigating various computer software at a basic level
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and driven to continuously improve
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Preferred competencies

• Quickly understands and analyses complex issues and problems; comes up with sound and rational judgements
• Demonstrates specialist knowledge and expertise in own area; participates in continuous professional development
• Communicates in a clear, precise, and structured way; speaks with authority and conviction; presents effectively
• Co-operates well with others; shares knowledge, experience, and information; supports others in the pursuit of team goals

Experience and educational background

• High School diploma or similar degree
• 2 Years Experience operating a waterjet or similar equipment
• Experience part nesting on 2D software
• Preventative Maintenance experience
• Experience operating around industrial equipment

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Physical Demands: Employee is occasionally required to lift 50 lbs.
• Exposure to chemicals that may have a foul odour
• Utilization of sharp tooling
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Travel

• Little to none

Work Remotely

• No

Job Type / FLSA

• Full time, Permanent

What Our Employees Say:
"Working at Piab means being at the forefront of innovation. Our commitment to quality and continuous improvement is what makes us leaders in automation. #InnovationInManufacturing #QualityFirst"
Disclaimer
Piab Group provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. No person is to be discriminated against in any aspect of the employment relationship due to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.