Press Operator

Functionally reports to Extrusion Team Lead. Responsible for optimally operating the press, process equipment, handling equipment and die setup in a safe and efficient manner. Responsible for following Company policies and procedures by ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times.  We believe that every Employee is responsible to act safely and to model good safety practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Press Operator are detailed below, but not limited to the following:

• Efficiently operate the extrusion press while maintaining good quality that meets Almag’s quality standards.
• Keep track of equipment performance and ensure press is well tuned, and temperatures are being properly managed from billet oven to press exit temperatures.
• Responsible for monitoring runout efficiency such as length, speed, and finish.
• Reference work orders to ensure press is running at the optimal speeds to maximize productivity.
• Ensure billet zone temperatures are setup, monitored and maintained throughout the runs. Mark extrusions accordingly if temperatures do not meet requirements.
• Die management - Ensure all necessary tooling is available at the beginning and throughout shift.
• Load dies into press and ensure presses are not waiting for die changes. Importance must be given to ensure dies are not loaded too early or too late.
• Ensure die temperatures are maintained when dies are loaded and removed from the ovens.
• Responsible for communicating directly with the team leads/maintenance team if any mechanical breakdowns or issues are encountered.
• Ensure proper billets/logs are in the ovens and monitor the supply to keep press going.
• Ensure average speeds are followed based on information contained on work orders. If deviations occur, ensure note is made in EPICS and Team Lead is notified.
• Responsible for EPICS entries for billet lengths, cut offs, cut sizes, etc., and highlight any special notes and instructions that the team needs to focus on.
• Responsible for entering all downtime, die fails, quality issues, and schedule adherence notes in EPICS.
• Responsible for checking notes in EPICS and viewing drawings throughout the shift to ensure work orders are followed correctly.
• Responsible for checking the run out on the second billet produced. Report to Team Lead if billet length scheduled is inappropriate and have it changed to improve yield.
• Ensure sufficient spacing is kept between extrusion pieces on the cooling table to make sure proper cooling is maintained.
• Responsible for ensuring the extrusion is correctly fed into puller jaws. Notify maintenance/team lead if any issues occur.
• Ensure exit/runout temperatures are monitored and maintained throughout the run.
• Maintain quality checks at front end of press during operation and continuously throughout the shift.
• Press samples must be properly labelled and kept together for traceability
• Ensure samples are taken after the first billet and verify dimensions and surface finish according to drawings in EPICS.
• Ensure all billets and alloys used are accounted for in EPICS and documented accurately.
• Check finish and dimensions on extrusions at the required frequency.
• Complete press Ascona scans as required.
• Must have knowledge and ability to operate all equipment at saw and stretcher.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• High school Diploma with some technical background and mechanical aptitude.
• Extrusion experience is an asset.

Technical Skills/Competence

• 1-2 years’ experience in an industrial environment.
• Knowledge of machinery and ability to read drawings is an asset. Willing to train. 
• Must be willing and able to train and develop as a saw operator / inspector, stretcher operator and die preparation operator as understating these jobs and their impact is critical to developing as a competent press operator.
• Basic computer skills including MS Windows is required. Other MS software is an asset.
• Understanding of measurements, tolerances, basic geometry, and numeracy comprehension.
• Ability to lift up-to 50lbs independently, and ability to lift up-to 100lbs in collaboration with a team member.
• Familiarity with extrusion software such as EPICS is an asset.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that goes beyond base pay, supporting your health, growth, and long-term success:

• Profit Sharing
• Health & Dental
• Health Care Spending Account
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company Events
• Floater Days
• Paid Holidays
• Shift Premiums
• Annual safety footwear reimbursement program

The expected pay range for this position is $23.46 - $28.80 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.

Our organization may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled tools to support our recruitment initiatives.