Machine Operator (Powder)

Sandvik Coromant In Westminster, SC Is Looking For A

Machine Operator (Powder)

Join Our Team as a Powder Operator

Are you a detail-oriented manufacturing professional who thrives in a process-driven environment? We are seeking a Powder Operator to support the production of high-quality Ready-to-Press (RTP) Cemented Carbide Powder. In this role, you will operate and monitor processing equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, cleanliness, and production performance.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring our products meet customer specifications and quality requirements through the safe and efficient operation of raw material handling, weighing, milling, spray drying, and packaging processes.

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Receive, inventory, and properly store raw materials.
• Select and prepare raw materials for production, including filling in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs).
• Accurately weigh recipes using a PLC-controlled automated weighing system, including manual weighing of ingredients as required.
• Monitor weighing operations to ensure accuracy and prevent process deviations.
• Return unused materials to inventory and clean weighing equipment between product grades.
• Load, operate, sample, unload, and clean ball mills using the milling control system.
• Produce high-quality powder slurry by homogenizing and milling raw materials using ethanol as the milling liquid.
• Prepare spray drying equipment and associated systems for production, ensuring proper assembly, operation, and cleanliness.
• Operate, control, and monitor spray drying equipment to produce finished RTP powder that meets quality specifications.
• Continuously monitor process conditions and make adjustments as needed to ensure safe, efficient operation and consistent product quality.

Quality Control

• Perform in-process quality inspections and sampling activities.
• Analyze results and take corrective actions when necessary to maintain product specifications.
• Collect samples for laboratory testing.
• Accurately document production, quality, and process data in applicable systems.

Equipment Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Dismantle, clean, and reassemble equipment following production runs.
• Utilize Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems and perform manual cleaning activities as required.
• Maintain equipment, work areas, and production facilities to the highest cleanliness standards.
• Support Sandvik dust and cobalt exposure control targets.
• Perform preventive maintenance activities according to established schedules and procedures.
• Conduct inspections and checks on equipment, including milling media and related components.
• Start up and shut down production systems daily.

Inventory & Shipping

• Prepare, package, and stage finished powder products for shipment based on customer orders.
• Ensure orders are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Process & System Management

• Monitor and control water processing equipment as required.
• Monitor and control ethanol handling systems as required.
• Maintain and update relevant computer systems, including production and warehouse management systems.
• Complete additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Safety & Compliance

• Comply with all company safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Support compliance with:
  • ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
  • ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
  • ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment at all times.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred

• 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing, mechanical, chemical, or industrial process environment.
• Experience working in a process-driven industry, particularly chemical processing, powder production, or similar operations.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Basic computer skills and experience working with automated control systems.

SHIFT:

• This position is for 1st Shift

PAY CLASSIFICATION:

• W3 ($19.00 - $35.68)

Additional Information:

• This position requires current authorization to work in the United States. Sandvik cannot provide employment-based visa sponsorship for this role now or in the future.
• This position is onsite in Westminster, South Carolina. Remote, hybrid, or international work arrangements are not available.
• Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

For immediate consideration, please apply online at: Sandvik Careers: (R0095066) or https://www.home.sandvik/en/careers/ to the Machine Operator (Powder) position, Job Requisition ID# R0095066.

Sandvik is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Any applicant who, because of a disability, needs accommodation or assistance in completing an application or at any time during the application process should contact Human Resources at hrsupport.us@sandvik.com. Sandvik also provides reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities consistent with its obligations under the law.