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.

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Night shift

Work Location: In person