Production Operator

Job Description Title: Production Operator- Day Shift Reports to: Foreman Location: St. Peters, MO Posted: 2/20/24 Zoltek-Toray Group is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team in St. Peters, MO as Production Operators in our Carbon Fiber Composite Intermediates facility. Zoltek produces essential products based on the definition designated by the CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a division of the US Department of Homeland Security). Our St. Peters facility supplies global products to wind turbine generators for renewable energy. Zoltek's manufacturing of pultrusion materials is a key component of the wind turbine blades, which is a critical component to support the US energy infrastructure. Why work at Zoltek: Compensation: The starting rate for this role is $18.69/hr, with opportunities for performance based increases up to $20.82/hr. Home/Work Life Balance: The full-time operator positions work 12-hour shifts. Day shift is 5:45 AM to 6:00 PM. The work week is an alternating 36 or 48 hours (12 hour shifts rotating on a 2 weeks cycle: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off) resulting in a 3 day weekend every other week and some built in overtime. Development: Zoltek has a developed on-the-job training program staffed with dedicated trainers who are here to help you succeed in passing evaluations and substantially increasing your pay. Benefits: After 60 days operators are eligible for benefits which include PTO and Sick Time, medical, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, fitness gym discounts, Safety Shoes Discounts, Prescription Safety Glasses Discount, and life assistance programs. 80% of employee healthcare benefits are paid for by Zoltek. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Setting-up and operating equipment to process carbon fiber for composite products (pultrusion, etc.) Resin/polymer mixing, batch mixing Continuous feeding of batch carbon fiber into machine, inspecting product during production, and inspecting finished goods before shipment Restocking material Packaging, labeling, documentation of products Keeping equipment and work area safe, clean and organized, participating in safety culture Effectively communicating with shift superintendent, foreman, and co-workers Qualifications: Graduation from high school or a GED is preferred Experience of 1 year or more in manufacturing or a factory environment, chemicals/plastics industry experience is a plus Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, read and interpret documents, follow procedures, document information, communicate effectively with foreman and co-workers Ability to work in production environment; troubleshoot and take effective corrective action to resolve problems Willingness to maintain a safe and ethical work environment, and work as a team member Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 25+ pounds overhead Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; up to 12 hours Ability to lift, turn, bend, reach, pull, and walk Must be able to wear respirator (no facial hair) Must be able to read, write, and understand English Additional Information: This position requires applicants being considered to pass a drug test. This position requires a background check to be processed for all applicants being considered. Zoltek is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides a drug free work place. This position requires employees to wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and steel toe/composite toe footwear. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Handling of carbon fiber causes moderate to severe itchiness Strong odors present Ability to wear a respirator- NO FACIAL HAIR Ability to wear Tyvek suit and work in moderate heat Zoltek understands that individuals have concerns during this uncertain and rapidly changing crisis and we have taken proactive measures to ensure employees feel comfortable and safe at Zoltek. Such as: Enforcing social distancing, setting up operating conditions to comply with CDC guidelines, limiting vendors and visitors to essential only, minimizing touch points, daily and weekly disinfecting of common areas, and plant wide disinfecting by a third party. Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.