Job Description
Title: Chop Operator ($22.26/hr)
Classification: Full time/Non-exempt
Reports to: Production Manager
Location: St. Charles, MO (MRP)
Date Posted: July 6, 2026
Job Summary: Chop Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining machinery and equipment in a manufacturing environment. Ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of production processes, safety protocols, and quality control measures. Zoltek does not hire individuals who require sponsorship for employment eligibility in the U.S.
- Work Schedule: The Chop Operator will work 12.25-hour shifts. Day shift schedule is 7:45 AM – 8:00 PM while night shift schedule is 7:45 PM to 8:00 AM (7.5%-night differential included in pay). The work week is an alternating 36.25 or 49 hours (12-hour shifts rotating on a 2-week cycle: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off) resulting in a 3-day weekend every other week and some built in overtime. (Please indicate your preference/availability for day or night shifts in a message in your application.)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.
- Operate and monitor each station of the chop line, to ensure efficient production process.
- Inspect size/quality of processed material; ensuring customer’s specifications are met.
- Perform periodic quality test according to the SOP. Collect quality samples for quality control testing.
- Placing cores on a creel, monitoring and testing sizing and material as it exits the chop head area.
- Weigh material in box, properly close, attach labels, complete all necessary paperwork for inventory control.
- Remove boxes, up to 50 pounds, placing them on pallet.
- Accurately record and complete all production data and report any deviations or issues.
- Maintain equipment and work area – the areas are to remain clean and free of hazardous obstacles.
- Follow all safety and environmental policies and procedures, along with proper PPE requirements.
- Continuously monitor machine performance to ensure it is running efficiently and make the necessary adjustments.
- Adhere to all safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment while operating equipment
- Perform any additional duties as assigned to support production goals or address operational needs.
Qualifications:
- Graduation from high school or a GED is required
- Experience of 1 year or more in manufacturing or a factory environment is strongly desired
- Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations, read and interpret documents, follow procedures, document information, communicate effectively with shift lead and co-workers
- Ability to troubleshoot and take effective corrective action to resolve problems
- Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery and assemble product
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
- Lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs from scale and properly close and seal for shipment.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to climb stairs, and ladders.
- Job involves lifting, turning, bending, reaching, pulling, walking and standing for extended periods of time.
- Ability to operate a forklift is a plus, not required.
Work Environment:The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations could be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The atmosphere contains carbon fiber airborne particles.
- Work environment is not climate controlled and is very hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter.
- Material is itchy.
Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
Pay: From $22.26 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
