About this role
Lead Operator - Dalton, GA
About Techmer PM
Techmer PM is the world's foremost materials design firm, creating custom polymers that make up essential products. Through long-standing partnerships with processors, OEMs, and product designers, we help solve manufacturing and business challenges through sustainable, future-minded solutions.
Position: Lead Operator
We are currently seeking a Lead Operator for our Dalton, Georgia facility.
Schedule & Pay
• Shift: 2nd Shift, Monday-Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM
• Training Schedule: Current 1st or 2nd Shift
• 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM or
• 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM
• Monday through Thursday
• Pay Rate: Starting at $26.00 per hour and up based on experience
Job Purpose
Responsible for overseeing the efficient and safe operation of production lines within assigned bays. This role assists with changeovers, ensures cleanliness and sanitation, verifies start-up procedures, monitors finished products, troubleshoots operational issues, and trains new employees. Safety is the top priority in all operations and procedures.
This position is designed as a leadership development role. The Lead Operator will be trained to become the next Supervisor and will serve as acting Supervisor when the current Supervisor is out due to vacation or illness.
Key Responsibilities
Training & Safety
• Train new employees on the safe and efficient operation of equipment.
• Ensure all safety protocols are followed and that safety is prioritized in all operations.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture.
Changeovers & Clean Downs
• Assist with equipment changeovers to minimize downtime.
• Sign off on clean-down checklists to ensure sanitation and production readiness.
Resource Management
• Ensure all equipment is operating properly and coordinate repairs with Maintenance and Supervisors as needed.
• Verify that all required tools are available and in working condition at each workstation.
Start-Up Verification
• Be present on production lines during start-up.
• Verify no contamination is present before the first box is packed.
Quality Control
• Inspect finished product before it leaves the bay.
• Ensure all required samples are collected and documented.
Packaging Compliance
• Verify correct packaging materials are used according to policies and procedures.
Operational Oversight
• Monitor and support production team workflow.
• Address operational issues promptly to minimize disruptions.
• Provide leadership and direction to production personnel.
Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain accurate production, clean-down, and quality records.
• Report deviations and issues to the Supervisor or Manager.
• Utilize D365, PTS, and RF Scan Gun systems.
Communication
• Ensure effective shift-change communication.
• Coordinate with Lab personnel and Supervisors on corrective actions when needed.
Attendance & Coverage
• Maintain strong attendance and punctuality.
• Coordinate breaks and lunches to ensure machine coverage.
Core Competencies
• Deductive Reasoning
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Oral Communication
• Visualization
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Reading Comprehension
• Effective Communication
• Complex Problem Solving
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Systems Analysis
• Systems Evaluation
• Time Management
• Mathematics
Minimum Requirements
• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 5 years of extrusion machine operating and mixing experience
This is an excellent opportunity for a manufacturing professional looking to develop into a supervisory role with a stable and growing organization.