Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Machine Operator

A machine operator is a person who operates a machine to perform tasks. The tasks can vary depending on what type of machine they are working with. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Machine Operators.

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Main Responsibilities of Machine Operator

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Machine Operator:

Adhere

Adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
Adhere to and enforce the company's health & safety policies and procedures.
Adhere to and enforce the company's quality policies and procedures.
Adhere to safety standards at all times.
Adhere to the highest of quality standards.

Align

Align and bolt specified die sets to press bed.

Analyze

Analyze and resolve work problems and assist team in solving problems.
Analyze printing non-conformances and initiate proper corrective actions.

Apply

Apply correct label(s) stickers to all finished goods packaging.
Apply critical thinking and problem solving to improve quality of products and reduce waste.

Assemble

Assemble and test components.
Assemble handmade products that are made from recycled material (e.g. FIS, FF Panels).
Assemble products that meet quality standards and production goals.

Assign

Assign work and train production employees.

Assist

Assist in creating and maintaining TPM standards to optimize machine uptime.
Assist in design and development of electronic test equipment and JIGs.
Assist in end of shift and plant clean up.
Assist in loading fabricated rebar on trailers and unloading stock material from trailers.
Assist in Mold, Neck Tooling and Blow Pin Changes.
Assist in set-up equipment for receipt of next roll of material.
Assist in the effective set-up, start-up, and shutdown of equipment, as required.
Assist in the operation of the inkjet line, feeding cards.
Assist is resolving production problems.
Assist operator with set up, operation, maintenance and repair of press.
Assist the current Metal production team members during daily operation.
Assist the packing associates and material handlers as necessary.
Assist with estimating & tracking time & materials required for projects.
Assist with machine operation.
Assist with PM's and maintenance as needed.

Assure

Assure packaging equipment is running at optimal efficiency.
Assure product is produced meeting all quality expectations.
Assure safe operation of machinery and adheres to all safety procedures.

Attend

Attend production meetings.
Attend training regarding applicable equipment.

Break

Break down and clean all machine parts at shift's end.

Bulk

Bulk package completed spice blends prior to storage.

Calibrate

Calibrate automatic / orbital welding machines based on material conditions (304 & 316L).
Calibrate unit on a regular basis to ensure proper performance.

Carry out

Carry out duties in compliance with corporate policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Change

Change setting on machine to control the volume of the fruit.

Check

Check for safety issues on equipment and ensures operators are properly trained.
Check and inspect work with precision instruments.
Check machine to be sure it is operating correctly and reports any defects immediately.

Clamp

Clamp part into appropriate places when loading into machine.

Clean

Clean and maintain work space.
Clean aniloxes in the cleaning tank when an order is completed.
Clean machinery as needed.
Clean machines and replace worn parts.
Clean room work environment.
Clean uniforms, hair and beard nets are mandatory for GMP.
Clean weights and lights ones a week, Maintain filters clean and replace them when needed.

Clear

Clear loose product from turntable / area.

Collect

Collect and dispose of scrap, excess materials, and refuse.

Communicate

Communicate constantly with supervisor and group lead, regarding issues that may come up on the line.
Communicate label production issues with the Production Supervisor or the Manager.
Communicate potential hazards immediately to supervisor.
Communicate with 2nd operator about the job' s details (loading / unloading).

Complete

Complete all necessary documentation and reports accurately.
Complete assigned paperwork in a timely manner.
Complete check off list and confirm machine readiness.
Complete cleaning / sanitization of machines.
Complete daily checklists for startup and calibration to maintain quality.
Complete daily PM checks for the stretcher.
Complete data projects of finished tasks and records of performance / progress.
Complete documentation and dispose of rejected and / or excess material on a daily basis.
Complete documentation as required.
Complete job tracking paperwork and enters into data bases.
Complete necessary documents to keep a track of daily work done.
Complete other duties as assigned.
Complete periodic checks on equipment and creatively and efficiently solve problems as detected.
Complete required logs and associated forms.
Complete routine quality checks and documentation in accordance with standard work.
Complete work orders and paperwork regarding daily maintenance and repair duties.

Conduct

Conduct double seam evaluations.
Conduct quality checks on finished product.
Conduct required routine maintenance on equipment.

Contribute to

Contribute to improvement of production processes.

Control

Control and adjust machine settings, if needed (e.g. speed).

Count

Count goods and produce in correct scale.

Crane

Crane operation and material handling experience required.

Create

Create and maintain activity / job logs as required.
Create and work with 2D and 3D designs.

Debag

Debag material received using knives.

Detect

Detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to the production supervisor.

Determine

Determine causes of downtime and document it on the downtime sheet.
Determine malfunctioning of units by observing.

Develop

Develop and demonstrate working knowledge of Single Spindle Automatic Lathe.

Direct

Direct the work of other staff on the line.

Dismantle

Dismantle and reassemble heavy plant components using hoists and hand tools.

Dispose

Dispose low quality strap or coils through grinder utilization.

Document

Document results accurately and completely while following a ‘right the first time' doctrine.
Document and established production standards.
Document inspection and completed work.

Engage

Engage in the regular installation, maintenance, and repair of machinery..

Ensure

Ensure all blanks and headers are pulled from jobs.
Ensure all equipment is in proper operating condition.
Ensure all necessary supplies are in reserve for continuous operations.
Ensure all paperwork is filled out correctly.
Ensure highest quality possible.
Ensure high standards of print quality and efficiency.
Ensure job is in order prior to machine set-up.
Ensure machine produces high quality product.
Ensure machines are running at standard speeds.
Ensure packaging staff are completing assigned tasks as per company SOPs.
Ensure production goals and quality control standards are met on shift.
Ensure production targets are met if not exceeded.
Ensure product quality and workmanship standards are met throughout the process.
Ensure quality checks and procedures are complete.
Ensure quality of product coming off machine for any defects based on set standards.
Ensure required documentation / data is completed accurately and timely.
Ensure safe, careful use, treatment, and maintenance of tools and equipment.
Ensure sewing is done according to CG's quality standards (measurements, appearance, etc.).
Ensure that all machines are running the correct raw material as specified.
Ensure that machines are producing quality products by monitoring periodic checks on output.
Ensure that workstation is always clean and orderly.
Ensure the production line is a safe working environment.
Ensure your production area is clean and maintained.

Enter

Enter information into computer.
Enter doffer initials, roll length, and work shift on piece ticket.
Enter start up and in-process information into the batch record.

Examine

Examine molded product for surface defects, such as dents, bubbles, thin areas, and cracks.
Examine parts for surface defects and damage.

Feed

Feed or place items onto equipment for processing.
Feed raw material or parts into machines.
Feed material into machines, adjusting material accordingly.
Feed the machine with printed circuit boards, and monitor production flow.

Fill

Fill in all positions as qualified at Corrugator.
Fill hopper with pems or hardware when operating semiautomatic machines.
Fill up the glue system when required.

Fit

Fit and assemble components and machine parts.

Follow

Follow all company procedures, processes, and safety requirements.
Follow all company rules and policies.
Follow all GMP and company policies / procedures.
Follow all standards within your department.
Follow all work instructions, safety and company policies.
Follow approved Safety and Ergonomic controls and process improvement initiatives.
Follow established safety rules and regulations.
Follow manufacturing work instructions and training.
Follow operator instruction sheet.
Follow proper cleaning procedures for all equipment.
Follow safe work and lockout / tagout procedures as required.
Follow all established safety rules for department.
Follow all procedures specific to each job by checking sample books and instructions provided.
Follow established procedures if defects are discovered.
Follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Follow set process parameters, and utilizes user guides to their fullest extent.
Follow work instructions (WI) and Product Quality Control Plans (PQCP).
Follow the control of non-conforming product procedure for any defective products found in your area.

Forecast

Forecast ahead to accommodate spooling schedule and daily orders.

Get

Get direction from Production Floor Lead on what orders to run.

Hand

Hand assembly of packaging materials.

Help

Help Creeler change yarn and repair yarn breaks as needed.
Help keep the work area clean.
Help maintenance troubleshoot.

Identify

Identify the problem and notifies manager in a timely manner with possible solution.
Identify and support continuous improvement efforts with production team leader / operators.

Inform

Inform supervisors of equipment or part defects.
Inform the supervisor if the Gaylord is out of material.

Initiate

Initiate and maintain accurate paperwork and records as required by job.
Initiate rework / repair activities on product that is substandard to the specifications.

Insert

Insert material into rollers to feed machine of material.

Inspect

Inspect and confirm parts.
Inspect finished product for defects and to ensure specifications are met.
Inspect finished products.
Inspect for defects, use a grinder, pack and label products.
Inspect garments for any repairs needed.
Inspect metal for imperfections and overall quality.
Inspect the blend and capsule to confirm job in process.

Interface

Interface with clients and lead or assist with client presentations that tell a compelling story.

Interpret

Interpret, identify, and record information on job documents.

Keep

Keep accurate documentation of rejects and hours worked.
Keep an accurate maintenance records of machines used.
Keep molding room clean throughout the shift.
Keep production area clean and organized.
Keep assigned work area clean, neat, organized and free from safety hazards.
Keep the area clean and put away utensils in the proper location after use.
Keep work area clean and organized.

Label

Label and palletize finished good as they are being produced.
Label and place finished productions in the accurate locations.

Lead

Lead the mechanical changeover of equipment according to established procedures.
Lead the work line of one or more assigned team members.

Learn

Learn and perform proper techniques for bucking and trimming Cannabis.
Learn and understand the master lathe, blast heat, blast unit, dust collector.

Lift

Lift and move with 50 pounds of material for chemical.
Lift and position roll of paper in feed mechanism, using hoist or electric lift.

Load

Load and unload equipment and materials.
Load and unload material into machine (30%).
Load and unload tooling efficiently.
Load recipes ad follow centerline setups.
Load / unload material, run machinery, carry material and stack pallets.

Maintain

Maintain accurate log of work performed on all machinery / equipment.
Maintain a clean and orderly work station and equipment.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment that is free of debris.
Maintain a clean, organized and safe work area.
Maintain a clean work area at all times.
Maintain a clean working environment.
Maintain a high level of accuracy in all aspects of work assignments.
Maintain all equipment by performing routine maintenance and cleaning.
Maintain all machines as instructed by the preventative maintenance documentation.
Maintain all manufacturing / packing machinery and tools.
Maintain all work surfaces, tools and equipment clean and sanitized.
Maintain and clean trucks, equipment and tools.
Maintain a safe, organized and clean work environment.
Maintain clean, safe workplace and machine.
Maintain compliance of TS 16949 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001.
Maintain constant checks throughout production run for quality control.
Maintain daily production rate at acceptable levels as determined by Production Manager.
Maintain file of Mylars for registration for repeat orders.
Maintain good documentation practices.
Maintain good housekeeping in your work area (s) at all times.
Maintain line housekeeping and sanitation including performing CIP / COP hookups.
Maintain processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards.
Maintain safety and quality standards using acceptable housekeeping practices.
Maintain SPC Data sheets on selected orders.
Maintain strict logs and follow cleanliness protocols.

Make

Make boxes, stack product on pallets, get shipments ready.
Make minor adjustments such as setting guides, gauges or clearing away damaged product packages.
Make modifications to the production line if weights do not meet specifications.
Make certain all materials for production are available and machinery is ready.
Make sure scrap boxes are changed out when full.
Make sure mould temperature has reached its setting.

Manufacture

Manufacture and inspect part to blueprint.

Measure

Measure and record production parameters.
Measure work piece dimensions to assess conformance.
Measure work piece dimensions to determine accuracy of machine operation and quality of output.

Meet

Meet all batch record and quality control requirements and specifications.
Meet or exceed expected output targets and metrics.
Meet all safety and housekeeping requirements.

Minimize

Minimize material scrap / waste.
Minimize material waste and product loss.
Minimize scrap and maximize productivity.

Monitor

Monitor and document safety, quality and production standards for the production and packaging Lines.
Monitor envelope quality during the production process.
Monitor gauges on the fillers to ensure temperatures and package weights are within specs.
Monitor production quality, including regular bag weight checks.
Monitor product to ensure quality standards are met or exceeded.
Monitor quality against set standards and reports any product and packaging faults.

Move

Move / load metal components to machine hopper.

Notify

Notify the Production Supervisor of any quality or equipment problems detected.
Notify a responsible person in case of equipment problems requiring orders from work.
Notify the HACCP Coordinator for any deviations.
Notify the Material Handler to change materials as necessary.

Observe

Observe / discard inferior product and / or packaging.
Observe operations and inspect packaged items for conformance with specifications.
Observe sewing and trouble shoot thread breaks, thread changes and bobbin changes.
Observe, monitor, and adjust machine as necessary.
Observe operation of machine and verify conformance of machined workpiece to specifications.

Obtain

Obtain all necessary set up information / specifications / guidelines.

Operate

Operate a bottling machine for soft drinks.
Operate and monitor sewing equipment and replenish materials as needed.
Operate and set up machines to perform repetitive machining operations.
Operate and support changing over different types of packaging equipment efficiently and effectively.
Operate a sit down forklift to move material as needed.
Operate CNC lathe machine.
Operate Coiling machine to make edits.
Operate equipment on the packaging line.
Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together.
Operate manual and semi-automatic equipment as required to organize and relocate palletized mail.
Operate measurement instruments to measure parts of manufactured objects.
Operate multiple machines.
Operate Pitney bowes and Bluecrest inserting machines.
Operate production machines.
Operate and monitors automated production equipment.
Operate stamping machine to stamp product number onto pipes.
Operate strapping machine and strap completed mail trays.
Operate tablet press machines.
Operate the available machinery and carry out the work in accordance with the instructions provided.
Operate the data card machine.
Operate the IPC interface and / or on line labelers.

Optimize

Optimize production and packaging performance and yield.

Pack

Pack and close boxes and prepare for shipping by taping and attaching correct shipping label.
Pack and label boxes and skid accurately according to instructions.
Pack items for shipping and distribution.
Pack quality product into boxes, according to customer specifications and Berry quality guidelines.
Pack the product for shipment.

Palletize

Palletize product according to company SOPs.

Participate in

Participate in company-sponsored cross-functional continuous improvement teams.
Participate in cross training throughout manufacturing facility.
Participate in Employee Performance reviews and promotion process as required.
Participate in general plant functions.
Participate in housekeeping functions to promote a safe, clean and effective work environment.

Perform

Perform all assembly operations in assembly and packaging.
Perform basic equipment problem diagnosis.
Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting during the course of running the packaging equipment.
Perform changeovers, adjustments, and setup.
Perform daily and weekly operational and pre-operational checks on assigned equipment.
Perform frequent inspection and quality checks according to work instructions.
Perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping floor around machine.
Perform machine setups and / or operate equipment that is setup by more skilled operators.
Perform maintenance and periodic cleaning of equipment as required.
Perform mill safety check every morning, and open close mills every Friday.
Perform necessary maintenance and cleaning on equipment.
Perform necessary pre-operation activities to ensure a smooth operation.
Perform operator-related preventative maintenance duties on assigned equipment.
Perform or assists with Preventative Maintenance (PM) as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Lead, Team Supervisor or Department Manager.
Perform other duties assigned by supervisor.
Perform other duties that the Team Leader or Production Manager might require.
Perform other production related duties as required and / or assigned.
Perform preventative maintenance of the equipment (Program Bagger and scales, etc.) when necessary.
Perform preventative maintenance on equipment as assigned.
Perform product quality checks at the work station.
Perform quality checks and accurately complete all paperwork.
Perform quality checks (QC) on finished products (10%).
Perform regular maintenance in various areas within the plant.
Perform routine adjustments during the machine run and maintains production throughout the run.
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on assigned equipment.
Perform secondary work such as trimming product or adding screws.
Perform setups and change-overs as needed.
Perform simple maintenance and repairs on the machines.
Perform specified maintenance duties on machine.
Perform the required tasks related to the retention pipes.
Perform Visual Inspections.
Perform Weekly / Monthly Preventive Maintenance tasks as required.

Prepare

Prepare and document daily production reports.
Prepare and load raw materials and parts onto the machine.
Prepare and operate CNC Waterjet machines to perform tasks such as drilling, grinding, milling, etc..
Prepare dies for storage in the proper container and lightly coat with synthetic oil.
Prepare fixtures and feeding devices, starts machine, and engages feed.
Prepare inks by mixing correct ink formula and adding cross linker, ethyl acetate or PM acetate.

Present

Present finished pieces to management for review or customers for purchase.

Prioritize

Prioritize workload to meet company performance goals.

Process

Process all required paperwork accurately and timely.
Process incoming and outgoing mail.

Produce

Produce and package products according to specifications.
Produce parts required, in the quantity needed, in the time frame assigned for said production work.
Produce parts to specifications.
Produce products to the rates and standards as set out in the Work Order.
Produce high volumes of work on daily basis within a production environment.

Promote

Promote and develop a cohesive, organized and energized team that is engaged in their work.
Promote and display good attendance and reliability.
Promote safety by abiding by all related policies and procedures and set a good example for others.

Provide

Provide assistance and support to various machines and processes in the plant.
Provide help in other in other parts of the factory if needed.
Provide training to new operators as and when required.

Read

Read and interpret blue prints.
Read and interpret different drawing and blueprints.
Read and interpret machine set up templates.
Read and interpret work instructions.
Read and understand schedule - Be able to perform all functions of the set up including.

Recalibrate

Recalibrate machines at the end of each shift.

Receive

Receive parts from designated bin.
Receive and reviews job jackets, specifications, and customer requirements.

Recognize

Recognize machine malfunctions and makes appropriate adjustments to the machine.

Recommend

Recommend personnel actions such as hiring and promotions.

Record

Record operational or production data.
Record Quantities produced.

Remove

Remove any labels with problems.
Remove defected materials and product from the line.
Remove finished product from mold and clean mold and bed of machine.
Remove piece ticket stub and staples onto roll edge.

Report

Report any equipment malfunctions.
Report any unsafe condition to your Line Leader.

Review

Review finished assemblies and parts to ensure accuracy against drawings and BOMs.

Routine

Routine inspection of quality levels of production equipment and hardware.

Run

Run automated processes including masking, gelling, conformal coating, potting and encapsulating.
Run Automatic or Semi-Automatic Machines.
Run CNC Lathes as outlined by the standard operating procedures.

Select

Select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist.

Set

Set example of safe operation by following established safety guidelines.
Set machine stops or guides to specified length as indicated by scale, rule or template.
Set stops or guides to specified length as indicated.

Set up

Set up and operate a machine that coils and cuts 25 or 50 foot lengths of wire from larger spools.
Set up and operate manufacturing equipment in assigned area.
Set up and running lamination and slitter machines.
Set up computerized machines to perform machine functions on work piece.
Set up machines (calibration, cleaning etc.) to start a production cycle.
Set up, monitor and adjust machinery to optimise performance.
Set up, monitor the machine production and make adjustments as needed.
Set up press and operate at slow speed to check samples.
Set up the machines while focusing on company safety rules and regulations.

Shut

Shut down and restart machinery.

Simplify

Simplify tooling time for workers and increases productivity for the client.

Stack

Stack and un-stack cases including packaging.
Stack correct number of cartons / trays on pallets / skids using correct stacking pattern.

Stand

Stand during shift duration.
Stand up to 8 hours per shift.

Start

Start machine and observe flow of material through machine, make adjustment to machine.
Start, stop and feed assigned machine / equipment, and identify and report imperfect operations.
Start up computer / camline, maintain hr x hr charts and production counts.
Start up, power on and power down all Surface Mount lines in the department.

Stop

Stop machine and report malfunctions to supervisor.
Stop the line at any signs of problems and investigate.

Suggest

Suggest methods for improving picking, packing, and / or warehousing processes.

Support

Support assembly production tasks during machine downtime.
Support the mill vision and direction of the mill.

Synchronize

Synchronize speed of extrusion.

Take

Take personal ownership of internal and external customer issues.

Transit

Transit accessible and free parking onsite.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot and diagnose problems.
Troubleshoot and resolve basic machine issues.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues in a timely fashion.
Troubleshoot equipment as necessary.
Troubleshoot issues and perform maintenance.
Troubleshoot issues with the equipment.
Troubleshoot machine problems to determine actual faults.
Troubleshoot mechanical problems appropriate to technical skill level as per skill matrix.
Troubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issues.

Understand

Understand and carry out oral instructions.
Understand and integrate equipment parameters.
Understand and abides by practice of never going between belly bar and mill roll while mill.
Understand and demonstrate button up procedures.
Understand and demonstrate proper knife set up and measuring technique.
Understand and demonstrate proper stencil wheel set up, changing and verification.
Understand basic mechanics for machines and makes minor adjustments as needed.
Understand the production process and efficiently use time and resources to aid this process.

Unload

Unload and process plastic coils or reels from the extrusion lines.
Unload pieces from the table.

Use

Use a series of different polishing stones to achieve finish size and roughness using a lathe-like.
Use basic and precision measuring tools.
Use basic math and computer data entry.
Use of customized software to update / maintain mailing addresses.
Use of fixture or visual inspection, per ODS, to check parts.
Use of manual pallet jack.
Use personal assistance (buddy).
Use equipment and materials properly.
Use tape measure and scale to the nearest 1 / 32 inch.
Use tools and measuring devices to maintain, adjust and repair equipment.
Use your present skills and learn new ones.

Utilize

Utilize the metric measuring system to measure garment materials.

Verify

Verify daily and weekly cleaning schedules are followed to maintain a clean working environment.
Verify feeder setup and load feeders.
Verify product visually and takes corrective action when necessary.
Verify the documentation from Hopper Filler is accurate.a.

Watch

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Work with

Work alongside your team to keep the bakery clean, and contribute to a great customer experience.
Work closely with various departments to support production deadlines and meet requirements.
Work cooperatively with the Quality Assurance department to ensure products meet specifications.
Work efficiently following direction of line leader or supervisor.
Work facility can be warm in summer and cool in winter.
Work from remote camp in Kitimat B.C.
Work from shop orders, and instructions.
Work in a safe manner and possess basic knowledge in health & safety regulations.
Work overtime as needed based on demand.
Work quickly to complete the task.
Work safely to prevent on-the-job injuries.
Work well in heat-the machine produce alot of heat.
Work with a sense of urgency.
Work with Material Handler for requests related to assembly supplies and boxes.
Work with multiple measuring tools.
Work with Packer / Inspectors to resolve any quality issues as needed.
Work with technicians employed by machine's proprietor.
Work with the others on the team to ensure that production continues in an effective manner.

Wrap

Wrap the doors for packaging and place shipping labels on the units.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Machine Operator:

Manual Lifting Up To 50Lbs
Moving Material
Material Handling
Manufacturing
Machine Operation
Press Operation
Manufacturing Environment
Machine Operating
Stooping
Mechanical Aptitude
Walking
Packing
Production
Smelling
Tasting
Climbing
Forklifts
Bending
Talking
Pallet Jacks
Manual Equipment
Standing
Ladder Climbing
Bend
Lifting
Manual Lifting Up To 40Lbs
Manual Lifting Up To 30Lbs
Hearing
Quality Control

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Machine Operator:

Attention to detail
Written and oral communication skills
Detail-oriented
Time-management
Problem-solving attitude
Team player
Reading
Flexible
Positive attitude
Organizational capacity
Reliable
Analytical ability
Work overtime
Work independently with little direction
Work ethic
Interpersonal skills
Self-starter
Multi-task
Twisting sitting - seldom
Self-motivated
Punctual
Willingness to learn
Mechanically inclined
Accurate
Attendance record
Teamwork
Adaptable to changes
Work in a team environment
Motivated associates
Troubleshooting skills