Cutter Operator

Responsibilities

Polymers Manufacturing Department manufactures specialty copolymers as part of Eastman’s Specialty Plastics business. A critical component in the manufacture of these products is the operation of polymer pelletization systems, where the final product polymer pellets are extruded, cooled, cut, dried, and screened prior to shipment to customers.

Please note that applicants selected for this position will be required to serve in this role for a minimum of two years before opting to stay in the role or being considered for the Operator Apprentice Program. Selected employees will be assigned to a rotating shift crew schedule.

Key responsibilities of this role will include:

• 
  Operate and monitor the polymer melt phase pelletizing systems including: cutter, water systems, die, dryer, dryer air system, and classifier
• Assist Operations with catalyst mixes as needed.
• Complete scheduled inspections and checklists of cutter floor area and equipment. Take appropriate corrective actions based on observations while performing cutter inspections.
• Monitor pellet cut and proactively troubleshoot defective pellet cut.
• Collect pellet samples from the shaker deck for all polymer lines and transport to the Polymers Analytical Control Lab.
• Collect and run the in-area pellet tests:
  • Optical scanner for black specks
  • Pellet weight check (spec property)
  • Hunter Lab color analyzer
• Enter data into SAP.
• Monitor results of pelletization testing and collaborate with control room operator to plan corrective actions.
• Monitor and inspect all final polymer gear pumps and gear pump seal systems.
• Perform add-back for all polymer lines in associated area.
• Manage Class 2B (off-class) product from Cutter floor.
• Assists with final filter switches.
• Operate cookout related equipment, e.g. exhaust fans, cookout valves.
• Operate stacker and waste buggies.
• Write Work Notifications for cutter area equipment
• Complete shift write-up in in eLog and conduct shift handoff
• Monitor area for unusual equipment noise or smells and takes appropriate action.
• Be proactive in getting polymer back in the cutter as quickly as possible.

Qualifications

Education:

• 
  HS Diploma or GED is required.
• Chemical Process Operations (CPO) certificate from NE State is preferred (not required).
• Workkeys assessment preferred at time of hire.
• Must achieve Eastman’s required levels on the Workkeys assessments to be eligible for OAP (Operator Apprentice Program).
• Workkeys required levels:
  • Workplace Documents - Level 6
  • Graphic Literacy - Level 5
  • Applied Mathematics - Level 6

Qualifications:

• 
  Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Job Expectations:

• 
  Must follow all safety procedures.
• Must wear company-provided personal protective equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, and hard hats at all times in designated areas. Dust mask, rubber gloves, face shields, and other protective equipment must be worn when required.
• If required, must work a twelve (12) hour rotating shift schedule.
• Overtime work is required from time to time.
• Be familiar with basic computer functions such as creating, sending, and receiving e-mail and data entry.
• Have a strong work ethic, demonstrating both initiative and a professional attitude.
• Must have clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to apply mechanical fundamentals to properly operate and maintain the performance of the equipment within area of responsibility.
• Must be able to perform the essential elements of the positions with or without reasonable accommodations.