What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervisor, Tech Srvs position at Vitro Flat Glass?
Vitro Architectural Glass, the leading manufacturer of architectural and automotive glass in North America, is seeking a Supervisor of Technical Services for our Tank Department. Our Wichita Falls facility specializes in the production of flat glass using the float glass process, serving key markets including automotive, trade, and mirror applications. The plant operates a complex, high-temperature manufacturing environment focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary:
The Supervisor of Technical Services plays a critical role in supporting the Tank Department operations. The Tank Department consists of two 650 tons per day capacity tanks operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This position provides day-to-day technical leadership to ensure optimal glass quality, maximum production speeds and yields, and cost-effective operations.
The role is responsible for the maintenance and reliability of building utilities systems, while also providing technical oversight of float glass batching, melting, forming, and annealing processes. In addition, the incumbent manages technical projects and supports plant-wide initiatives such as cold repairs and major equipment upgrades.
Key Responsibilities:
- Daily technical support to maximize quality, speeds and yields and ensure the continued innovation and development of operational machinery to maximize production operations.
- Inspection of tank processes and equipment to assure continued operational efficiency and keep the Float Process Manager advised of technical phases of the Tank operation.
- Coordinate and direct production activities of the batch plant, tanks, baths, and lehrs.
- Review and analyze the various unit production and quality reports and takes corrective action as necessary.
- Keep abreast of technological improvements to the process through contact with Vitro Research and other Vitro Tank facilities, exercises engineering skills and basic knowledge of the process and related equipment to determine those areas of least efficient operation and those most penalizing to quality.
- Help coordinate scheduling of manpower within the assigned area and administer a positive training and safety program to assure maximum performance.
Education, Knowledge & Experience:
- Must have a B.S. degree in ceramic or chemical engineering and a minimum of 5 years in production or process engineering.
- Extensive hands-on knowledge of the float glass process, including batching, melting, forming, and annealing.
- Must have demonstrated leadership, judgement, administrative ability, and have experience in making decisions in rapidly changing conditions.
- Proven ability to manage technical projects and cross- functional teams.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.