Front End Specialist

Description

SUMMARY:

The Front End Specialist serves as a subject matter expert in Can Making operations, responsible for ensuring the efficient and reliable performance of an assigned section of the production line. This position provides technical expertise in equipment operation, troubleshooting, process optimization, and quality control while supporting operator training and development. The Specialist works closely with the Senior Specialist to resolve operational challenges, minimize downtime, maintain production standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Production Operations: Oversee daily operations of the assigned Front End production area, ensuring efficient workflow, equipment performance, and consistent production output.
• Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting: Provide technical expertise in Cupper and Body Maker operations, including machine setup, adjustments, calibration, troubleshooting, and corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Quality Control: Monitor product quality, ensure required inspections are completed, identify defects, and address deviations to maintain established quality standards and specifications.
• Operator Coordination & Training: Coordinate operator assignments based on production needs and serve as a subject matter expert by providing hands-on training, technical guidance, and support in standardized work practices.
• Maintenance & Equipment Reliability: Partner with maintenance teams to support preventative maintenance, identify equipment issues, and ensure timely resolution to maintain production efficiency.
• Production Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce material waste, optimize production processes, and support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Material Management: Monitor raw material availability, including aluminum coil and sheet supplies, to support uninterrupted Cupper and Body Maker operations.
• Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping: Ensure adherence to safety procedures, GMP requirements, PPE standards, and 5S practices while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Documentation & Communication: Maintain accurate production records, communicate operational and quality concerns, and collaborate with the Senior Specialist, shift supervisors, and other production areas to resolve issues and maintain production flow..

Food Safety  

Responsible and required to notify management about actual or potential food safety issues; and empowered to act to resolve food safety issues within their scope of work. If this position is vacant for any significant period of time the obligation for completion of all food safety and quality related tasks will become the responsibility of the direct manager or a qualified designee. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Preferred qualifications include one (1) to three (3) years of hands-on experience in Can Making operations, with demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment. Candidates must possess strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain Can Making machinery and equipment.

Skills/Knowledge: Demonstrated proficiency in Can Making operations, equipment functionality, and manufacturing processes. Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to independently troubleshoot equipment issues, identify root causes, and support corrective actions. Solid understanding of the overall production process, with strong attention to detail, quality standards, safety, and operational efficiency. 

Computer Skills:  Working knowledge of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and database systems. Ability to utilize manufacturing software to monitor production performance, document equipment issues, maintain accurate records, and support daily operational activities. 

Physical Demands: The Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and reach with hands and arms. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.