Blending Technician

POSITION PURPOSE:

Operates blending and packaging equipment while maintaining accurate records in a clean room environment. 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:

·         High School diploma or GED required

·         Preferred work experience in a clean room environment

·         Background with process equipment, hand tools, forklift, laboratory equipment, and computer preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

·         Strong ability in Math and Science

·         Troubleshooting skills required, leadership qualities

·         Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance

·         Mathematics: Knowledge of basic arithmetic, ability to use calculator

·         Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong - does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem

·         Control Precision: The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a piece of equipment to exact positions

·         Written Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand

·         Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical/dry blending manufacturing environment working both in office & plant settings.  May perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support of the ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things
• Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, & eye/hand coordination 6 hours a day
• Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling and climbing ladders
• Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or less
• Ability to operate general manufacturing powered equipment and tools 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Sets up and operates mixing and packaging process equipment under operator supervision

·         Performs operations and minor maintenance activities in an environment which requires full gowning and occasional respirator use

·         Ensures product safety and minimize environmental impact

·         Identifies potential hazards and unsafe working conditions and reports them immediately

·         Overall Operation (under operator supervision)

            *Monitors process variables and takes action to get back into norm

            *Begins to monitor for unusual process conditions

            *Accurately records process data in accordance with FSSC22000, ISO9001, & ASQUA requirements

·         Sanitation & Cleaning (Pre-Blend) (under operator supervision)

            *Ensures lift stations are sanitized on a daily basis

            *Ensures the Gowning & De-Gowning rooms are adequately stocked and cleaned

            *All equipment and work surfaces are cleaned and sanitized prior to start up, (pre-op checks)

·         Equipment Set Up (under operator supervision)

            *HVAC(s) normal operational mode (humidity within tolerances)

            *Dust collector piping assembled and compression system operational

            *HACCP - X ray, metal detectors, & magnet assembly cleaned and tested

            *Mechanical equipment assembled and operational

            *Scales clean, leveled, and then verified

            *Misc. items such as scoops, scrapers, etc. prepared

·         Blending (under operator supervision)

            *Raw material validation (Lot code, expiration date, & quantity including weights)

            *Following batch data sheets (including Blend time and speed)  

            *Documentation, which includes HACCP checks, traceability checks, & etc.

·         Packaging (under operator supervision)

            *Equipment operation (lot code, weight tolerances, & seal strength)

            *B-zone preparation and documentation (temporary resource management)

·         Sanitation & Cleaning (Post-Blend) (under operator supervision)

            *Ensures lift stations are functioning properly

            *Ensures Gowning, De-Gowning, Air Shower, & Washrooms have been cleaned

            *All mechanical equipment disassembled and cleaned, includes all working surfaces

·         Ability to operate pallet floor jack & forklift proficiently

·         Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes

·         Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects

·         Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

·         Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems

·         Availability to work overtime daily and weekends

·         Able to work hours as assigned

·         Flexibility to support / train across two shifts

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

 Employment with Ajinomoto is considered at will, meaning that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time with or without cause or notice and this job description should not be construed as an employment contract.

EEO Statement:

 Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.