Position Summary
The Body Shed / Powder Preparation Operator is responsible for producing high-quality ceramic powder in accordance with established formulations, quality standards, and production schedules. This position performs all aspects of raw material handling, weighing, mixing, milling, spray drying support, material movement, and equipment cleaning while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.
The operator plays a critical role in ensuring that ceramic powders meet all required physical and process specifications prior to production, supporting downstream pressing and manufacturing operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Raw Material Handling
- Receive, unload, inspect, and properly store incoming raw materials.
- Operate forklifts (tow motors) safely to transport raw materials and finished powder throughout the facility.
- Verify incoming materials against receiving documentation.
- Rotate inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
- Stage materials according to production schedules.
Material Weighing & Batch Preparation
- Accurately weigh raw materials according to approved formulations.
- Verify material lot numbers before use.
- Record all batch information accurately.
- Ensure formulations are followed exactly with no unauthorized deviations.
- Identify and report discrepancies immediately.
Mixing Operations
- Load mixers according to established procedures.
- Monitor mix cycles and operating parameters.
- Verify proper blending prior to discharge.
- Clean mixers between batches to prevent contamination.
- Document completed batches.
Milling Operations
- Load and unload ball mills and other milling equipment.
- Monitor milling cycles and operating conditions.
- Inspect media and equipment for wear.
- Verify proper particle size reduction.
- Maintain accurate milling records.
Powder Processing
- Assist with spray dryer preparation and operation as required.
- Monitor moisture content and powder consistency.
- Package and stage finished powder for production.
- Label all materials accurately.
- Maintain full product traceability.
Equipment Cleaning & Housekeeping
- Thoroughly clean mills, mixers, bins, hoppers, and associated equipment between formulations.
- Prevent cross-contamination between products.
- Perform routine housekeeping throughout the Body Shed.
- Dispose of waste materials according to established procedures.
- Maintain an organized and safe work area.
Material Movement
- Load and unload trucks safely.
- Transport raw materials, work-in-process, and finished powder.
- Move pallets using forklifts and pallet jacks.
- Assist with inventory organization.
- Maintain proper storage locations.
Documentation
- Complete production paperwork accurately.
- Record batch numbers, quantities, weights, and lot numbers.
- Report production issues to supervision.
- Maintain inventory transactions as required.
- Follow ERP and inventory control procedures.
Quality Responsibilities
The Body Shed Operator is responsible for producing ceramic powders that consistently meet manufacturing specifications.
Quality responsibilities include monitoring and documenting:
- Bulk Density
- Tap Density
- Moisture Content
- Particle Size Distribution
- Granulation Characteristics
- Powder Flowability
- Powder Appearance
- Homogeneity of Blend
- Lot Traceability
- Batch Identification
- Raw Material Verification
- Proper Mixing Times
- Milling Times
- Spray Dry Parameters (when applicable)
- Contamination Prevention
- Equipment Cleanliness
- Compliance with Approved Formulations
Operators shall immediately notify supervision of any nonconforming materials, equipment issues, or process deviations.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow all OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Operate forklifts only with proper authorization.
- Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures when required.
- Safely handle ceramic powders and chemical additives.
- Report unsafe conditions immediately.
- Participate in safety meetings and training.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.
Experience
- Manufacturing experience preferred.
- Forklift experience preferred or willingness to become certified.
- Basic math skills.
- Ability to accurately read scales and measuring devices.
- Mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to follow written work instructions and formulations.
- Strong attention to detail.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb.
- Wear required respiratory protection when necessary.
- Work in dusty manufacturing environments.
- Operate industrial equipment safely.
Work Environment
This position operates in an industrial ceramics manufacturing environment. The manufacturing environment may include exposure to extreme heat, dust, noise, moving machinery, forklifts, and production equipment. Appropriate PPE is required in designated areas.
Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Management reserves the right to modify duties as business needs require.
Success Measures
Performance Expectations
Successful Body Shed Operators consistently demonstrate:
- Safe work practices
- Excellent attendance and reliability
- Accurate material weighing
- High-quality powder production
- Minimal batch errors
- Proper equipment cleaning
- Strong housekeeping
- Inventory accuracy
- Teamwork and communication
- Continuous improvement mindset
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance may be evaluated based on:
- Batch accuracy
- Production schedule adherence
- Powder quality acceptance rate
- Inventory accuracy
- Equipment uptime
- Housekeeping inspections
- Safety performance
- Forklift safety compliance
- Documentation accuracy
- Rework and scrap reduction
- On-time completion of production batches
- Compliance with SOPs and work instructions
Why Join CerCo I, Inc.? We Are Investing in Our Future and Yours
- Stable company with over 60 years of manufacturing success
- New leadership team focused on growth and employee development
- Significant investments in equipment, facilities, and operational improvements
- Opportunity to be part of a company-wide transformation
- Advancement opportunities as we expand production and future shift operations
- Team-oriented environment focused on accountability, respect, and continuous improvement
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
Join the Team
This is more than a forklift position—it is an opportunity to become part of a company that is rebuilding, growing, and creating a stronger future for its employees and customers. If you are dependable, safety-focused, and ready to contribute to a growing manufacturing operation, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help build the next chapter of CerCo's 60+ year success story.
Pay: $20.00 - $35.79 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
