Production Lead - Aspen Aerogels : Job Details

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ( EV ) market. Aspen Battery Materials, the Company's carbon aerogel initiative, seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of EVs. The Company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.

The Lead Operator is responsible for safely following procedures in Aerogel manufacturing processes to include chemical batch making, casting, aging and extraction as documented by Aspen Aerogels. This includes, but is not limited to, following all control plans and standard operating procedures, monitoring product quality, making technical decisions, problem-solving, adhering to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) practices and initiatives as well as effectively communicating across departments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Follow all safety procedures as required in a Class I Division I/II area.

* Continuously ensure the Production work area conforms to 6S and automotive customer requirements. Instill pride and ownership in work area/environment.

* Follow all RCRA requirements in conjunction with direction from EHS.

* Train to and maintain a Level III Hazmat certification and perform duties as part of the hazardous materials team.

* Respirator, First Aid, CPR certified.

* Must maintain forklift certification.

* Must maintain an overhead electric hoist license.

* Ability to operate and troubleshoot all equipment in the following areas proficiently including Catalyst, Rewind, Casting, Opacifier Prep, Sol Prep, Aging, Extraction, CO2 Recovery, ANU and SRU.

* Maintain proficiency and in chemical batch making operations. Ensure SOP's and WI's are strictly adhered too.

* Maintain certifications as an authorized employee in LOTO.

* Complete weekly tasks as prescribed by the Master Task List.

* A visible leader in the area of personal safety including intervening and coaching members as needed.

* Works with team members to meet Production goals and quality expectations through leading by example; if issues present as a barrier to production performance, promptly escalate to Supervisor and/or Manager for resolution.

* Report on Production KPIs.

* Ensure SOPs are adhered to.

* Handle employee relation matters within the team and escalate appropriately to ensure they are promptly addressed by the Shift Supervisor or Production Manager.

* Execute assigned work as per instructions, ensuring team members complete tasks.

* Ensure all operators understand job expectations, tasks, and responsibilities.

* Report accurate information through the Logbook and First Report systems on a daily basis.

* Ensure all necessary shift documentation is completed for incidents, injuries, or abnormal conditions.

* Participate in RCCRAs or RCIs as needed.

* Conduct daily pre-shift meetings after handoff with the relieving shift leader, communicating shift issues/priorities without disrupting continuous shift operations. Ensure all downtime issues and root causes are reported and investigated.

* Ensure all materials and supplies are available to employees in support of their performance of job duties. Escalate all material need issues to Supervisor/Manager.

* Active preparation, communication, attendance and participation during operational and project team meetings. Provide timely feedback on issues and closure to assigned tasks related to your area.

* Read and interpret technical manuals, P&IDs, schematics, flow diagrams, process sequences, and control diagrams.

* Calibrate and configure process instrumentation.

* Train all shift personnel on One Point Lessons and ensure adherence.

* Enter Maintenance work requests and communicate urgency appropriately.

* Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

* Adopt and follow Aspen's core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

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* SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Take ownership of Production during shift including emergency response, assigned task completion, lockout/tag out, safe work permits issued, management of change reviews and ongoing line projects; ensure team members are aware of any specific activities occurring on line as necessary.

* Responsible for monitoring, coaching, and mentoring new employees.

* Carries out shift leadership duties responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

* Responsibilities include training, and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; providing performance feedback to Supervisor; rewarding and coaching employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment and 1-3 years' experience as a Team Leader that operated under ISO 9001, Automotive or similar regulatory requirements. Experience in a Class I Division I/II environment preferred.

* Strong mechanical aptitude.

* Ability to troubleshoot equipment, process or quality issues with team members to identify maintenance and/or improvement needs. In addition, escalate needs as necessary to ensure production continuity.

* High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Certificates, licenses and registrations required: Fork truck

* Computer skills required: Microsoft Office Suite, ABB, Rockwell, SharePoint, Teams

* Effective written and verbal English communication skills to understand detailed instructions.

* Experience with and ability to read technical manuals, P&IDs, schematics, flow diagrams, process sequence, and control diagrams preferred.

* Experience calibrating and configuring process instrumentation preferred.

* Other skills required:

* Must be able to work 12 hour shifts; 4 days on 4 days off; overtime is required.

* Must be able to work holidays; 24/7 plant 365 days/year

* Demonstrated technical problem-solving capabilities.

* Must have mechanical aptitude

* Must be willing/able to be certified in First Aid, CPR, AED, Incident Commander, and Hazmat.

* Other skills required:

* Forklift License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

* Continually required to stand

* Frequently required to walk

* Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity

* Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl

* Continually required to smell

* Continually works near moving mechanical parts

* Occasionally works in high, precarious places

* Continually works around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals

* Continually exposed to outside weather conditions

* Continually exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)

* While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually loud

* The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

* Additional remarks regarding work environment: Must be able to work in a continually dusty environment

* Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: Hight Temp Oven/Turret System/Lift Table/Clicker Press/CNC Machine/Waterjet Machine/Slitting Machine/Forklift/Mokon Proficiency(For Lamination)/Mahlo Proficiency

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world's toughest challenges.

Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO. In addition, we also offer Fitness Reimbursement, a 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here:

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call and leave a voice message at (508) ###-#### and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.

For Our Rhode Island Applicants:

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The East Providence, RI facility of Aspen Aerogels is subject to Title 28, Chapter 29-6.2 of Rhode Island General Laws, which governs Worker's Compensation.