Thermoforming Operator

Description

Job Summary 

The Thermoforming Operator sets up, operates, monitors, and maintains large-scale 

thermoforming equipment, including hydraulic presses, ovens, shears, and related 

tooling, to safely produce parts that meet work order and quality requirements. This 

hands-on role requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to identify and 

troubleshoot equipment or process issues, and a willingness to work directly with 

machinery, tools, materials, adhesives, and cleaning agents in a demanding production 

environment. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

•  Review work orders, locate and verify required materials, and accurately record 

material, production, labor, and part-count information 

•  Set up and safely operate shears to cut material to specified dimensions 
•  Clean, prepare, load, and dry materials using racks and walk-in ovens in 

accordance with process requirements 

•  Prepare forming tools by removing residual mold release, cleaning surfaces, and 

applying new release material as required 

•  Safely load, position, secure, and unload forming tools in the press using 

appropriate material-handling methods 

•  Set up and operate the hydraulic press using the correct program, tooling, 

process parameters, and work instructions to produce conforming parts 

•  Monitor press cycles, temperatures, pressures, controls, and other operating 

conditions; make approved adjustments to maintain a safe, stable process and 

conforming product 

•  Identify and troubleshoot basic mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, 

tooling, and process issues; correct problems within training and authorization, 

and promptly escalate conditions requiring maintenance support 

•  Safely handle and apply cleaning agents, mold-release products, adhesives, and 

other process materials in accordance with work instructions and safety 

requirements 

•  Set up and operate robotic adhesive-application equipment and fixtures to meet 

specified coverage and process requirements 

•  Inspect completed parts for visual defects and conformance to specifications; 

segregate and report nonconforming material 

•  Clean, count, label, and package acceptable parts in accordance with work 

instructions and customer requirements 

•  Perform preventive maintenance, routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and 

minor equipment adjustments; support tooling changes and maintenance 

activities as needed 

•  Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; follow all safety procedures, 

equipment safeguards, and required personal protective equipment practices 

•  Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications 

•  Previous experience operating heavy industrial machinery—preferably a large

scale hydraulic press, thermoforming press, stamping press, or comparable 

equipment—is strongly preferred 

•  Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize abnormal machine 

operation, use basic hand tools, follow troubleshooting steps, and clearly 

communicate equipment issues 

•  Hands-on, safety-focused work style and willingness to work around heat, noise, 

hydraulic equipment, oils, adhesives, cleaning agents, dust, and other normal 

production-shop conditions 

•  Ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds and stand, walk, bend, reach, and work 

on the production floor for extended periods 

•  Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to 

maintain accurate records and recognize product or process abnormalities 

•  Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and maintain safe, consistent performance in a 

hot, noisy, and fast-paced production environment 

•  Ability to read and follow work orders, specifications, safety procedures, and 

equipment instructions, and to communicate clearly with production, quality, and 

maintenance personnel 

•  All applicants must meet the requirements of the U.S. Employment Eligibility 

Verification (Form I-9) process.