Zoltek Companies, Inc. is a world leader in the research, development, manufacture and distribution of industrial grade carbon fiber. Our mission is to lead the commercialization of carbon fiber through the development of a price-competitive, high-performance reinforcement for composites used in a broad range of commercial products. Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are remarkable in their performance characteristics and properties that include high strength, low weight, high stiffness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity. Our target markets include wind energy, automotive, offshore drilling, marine, infrastructure, and many other diverse industrial markets. We currently employ over 1,300 employees at manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Mexico and Hungary, and our sales and distribution network is worldwide. 

Zoltek is looking for Process Operators to join our team in our Missouri Research Park facility (Weldon Spring area). The Process Operators will operate equipment used for manufacturing and chopping of carbon fiber in accordance with the technical data sheets (TDS) and operating manuals, and in compliance with Zoltek’s safety procedures.  The Process Operator may be cross-trained and work in multiple positions in the manufacturing process, operating various machines including batch, oxidizers, chopping and milling machines or textile machinery.

General responsibilities include the following:

• Follow procedures to ensure safety, quality and production of product.
• Inspect size/quality of processed material, ensuring customer’s specifications are met.
• Remove boxes up to 40 pounds from processing line, attach labels and complete necessary paperwork for inventory control. 
• Remove and package samples for Quality Control.
• Inspect equipment and product for potential problems and report to the supervisor immediately.
• Maintain equipment and work area – the areas are to remain clean and free of hazardous obstacles.
• Wear required personal protective equipment at all times, be knowledgeable of safety procedures for work area.
• Communicate with team members, supervisor and co-workers effectively.
• Document information and complete paperwork as required.

Examples of additional tasks:

• Batch operation: Correctly enter information into batch programmable logic control panel keypad, read and document batch temperatures, inspect batch interiors between runs for damage and document information, following a production schedule load and unload batch carbonization furnaces with fibers, fabrics and yarns utilizing a load fixture, lifting cradle and crane. Wind carbon fiber and oxidized fiber fabrics.
• Oxidizer operation: Link carbon fiber tows using a portable sewing machine, track to ensure proper movement through the creels and bars, inspect feed rollers for build-up and remove appropriately.
• Chop operation: Feed continuous strands of carbon fiber through chopper to be cut to length per customer’s specifications, monitor chopper to ensure correct operation of equipment. 
• Mill operation: Feed fiber into feed end of mill process, monitor mill to ensure correct operation, inspect quality of processed material, ensuring customer specifications are met. 

• 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 foreman and co-workers
• Ability to troubleshoot and take effective corrective action to resolve problems
• Good finger and manual dexterity 
• Ability and willingness to maintain a safe and ethical work environment, work as a team member
• Ability to lift, turn, bend, squat, kneel, reach, pull, walk or stand for periods of time
• Must be able to tolerate heat and must be able to wear a dust mask and/or gloves as needed

Work schedule: 12-hour shift from 8am-8pm for day shift teams and 8pm-8am for night shifts. (Please indicate your preference/availability for day or night shifts in a message in your application.)

Compensation: The starting rate for this role is $11.00 per hour with opportunities for performance based increases. Zoltek also offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical plan
• Dental plan
• Prescription drug benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• Vision insurance
• Vacation
• Sick time
• Holiday pay
• Tuition assistance program
• Short term and long term disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Optional life insurance 
• 401(k) program.

Application:

For immediate consideration for this position, please submit your resume online. Zoltek is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides a drug free work place.