Production Operator in East Chicago, Indiana at Specialty Powders LLC

The Production Operator plays a critical role in daily manufacturing operations, supporting ambient milling, extrusion, blending, and shipping processes. This position is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment, performing rate and quality checks, ensuring safety compliance, and supporting on-time shipment of finished products.

The ideal candidate is safety-driven, mechanically inclined, dependable, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced industrial environment.

• Essential Functions: The following duties are considered essential job functions which the employee must be able to perform. Operate and monitor ambient mills, extruders, blenders, grinders, and related production equipment in compliance with SOPs
• Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot machinery to meet production, quality, and rate requirements
• Perform rate checks, monitor throughput, and adjust operations to meet production targets
• Weigh, mix, stage, and load raw materials according to batch instructions and formulas
• Conduct product quality checks, take samples, and perform visual inspections and standard QC tests
• Install or change screens, dies, and sizing components using hand tools
• Handle finished goods including filling bags/drums, silos, cartons, supersacks, repacks labeling, palletizing, and staging for shipment
• Load and unload materials using forklifts or pallet jacks as required
• Accurately complete production, quality, inventory, and shipping documentation using computer systems
• Perform 10-point pre-operation safety checks and follow all standard work instructions
• Participate fully in pre-shift huddles; arrive prepared, engaged, and on time
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and all environmental, safety, and PPE requirements
• Support preventive maintenance (PMs), basic troubleshooting, and housekeeping activities
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas in accordance with 5S and GMP standards
• Ability to stand and work on feet for multiple hours per shift
• Effectively communicate equipment issues, material needs, or quality concerns to supervisors
• Assist with cross-training and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to lift, push, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working at heights and on elevated platforms
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (noise, dust, temperature fluctuations)
• Must wear required PPE including steel-toed boots, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory protection
• This position requires strict adherence to all safety regulations

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 1–3 years of manufacturing, production, or industrial experience preferred
• Experience operating extrusion, milling, blending, grinding, or similar processing equipment preferred
• Forklift certification or ability to become forklift certified required
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely operate, adjust, and troubleshoot production equipment
• Ability to read and follow batch sheets, work instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures
• Basic computer skills required for production reporting, inventory tracking, and documentation entry
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and compliance with all OSHA and company safety standards
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or rotating shifts as business needs require
• Must be dependable with strong attendance and punctuality record
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug screening, and any required physical evaluation
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the shift
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods of time
• Comfortable working in industrial environments with exposure to dust, noise, vibration, and varying temperatures
• Ability to wear all required PPE including respirators, hearing protection, hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots
• Ability to work safely at elevated heights and around moving mechanical equipment
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and flexibility to support operational needs and cross-training initiatives