Position Summary

We are seeking a dependable, safety focused, and mechanically inclined UV Coater Operator for first shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm) to join our GAL division. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, adjusting, cleaning, and completing changeovers on a continuous web UV cationic coating line used to manufacture coated paper, film, and other flexible material products.

The GAL coating line uses ultraviolet energy to initiate and cure approved cationic coating formulations. The UV Coater Operator will monitor coating application, UV curing conditions, lamp performance, exposure levels, line speed, web tension, cooling, and other process settings to ensure materials are properly coated and cured.

The UV Coater Operator will prepare substrates and coating materials, thread the production line, establish operating conditions, monitor coating and cure quality, complete roll changes, troubleshoot equipment concerns, and maintain accurate production records. The Operator will work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Materials team members to ensure each production job meets customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.

The ideal candidate has previous experience operating UV coating, thermal coating, printing, laminating, converting, or other continuous web processing equipment. Previous thermal coating experience may be transferable, although direct UV coating or UV curing experience is strongly preferred. This individual should demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, dependable attendance, and the ability to safely operate technically advanced industrial equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down UV cationic coating equipment according to work orders, product specifications, standard operating procedures, and production schedules.
• Prepare paper, film, and other substrates, approved coating materials, cores, labels, tools, packaging supplies, and production documentation required for each job.
• Load and unload rolls, position materials, thread the continuous web coating line, complete roll changes, and properly set the unwind, coating, UV curing, cooling, and rewind equipment.
• Measure, mix, handle, and deliver approved UV cationic coating formulations while following established formulas, chemical handling procedures, storage requirements, and safety instructions.
• Establish and monitor operating conditions such as line speed, coating weight, web tension, pressure, alignment, temperature, UV lamp output, curing intensity, exposure dose, cooling, and rewind settings.
• Monitor UV lamps, reflectors, lamp housings, cooling systems, shielding, safety interlocks, and curing equipment for proper operation and immediately report damaged, degraded, or unsafe conditions.
• Inspect coated materials for wrinkles, web alignment concerns, coating defects, incomplete curing, contamination, damaged material, poor roll formation, or other conditions that may affect product quality.
• Collect production samples, perform assigned visual, measurement, coating, and cure inspections, document results, and communicate quality concerns to the Production Manager or Quality Department.
• Troubleshoot routine equipment, web handling, coating application, UV curing, material, and process concerns and coordinate with Maintenance or Quality when additional technical support is required.
• Complete equipment cleaning, product changeovers, coating system cleaning, UV curing area inspections, housekeeping, production records, material usage documentation, scrap reports, downtime records, quality checks, and finished roll identification.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Previous experience operating UV coating, thermal coating, printing, laminating, converting, extrusion, slitting, or other continuous web processing equipment is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience with UV cationic coatings, UV curable materials, release liners, ultraviolet curing systems, paper, film, adhesives, chemicals, or flexible material manufacturing is preferred.
• Thermal coating experience may be considered when the candidate demonstrates strong continuous web processing, coating application, machine setup, and process control knowledge.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience completing machine setups, equipment adjustments, roll changes, product changeovers, cleaning, and routine troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with UV curing concepts such as lamp output, exposure, curing intensity, line speed, cooling, shielding, and safety interlocks is preferred.
• Experience using hand tools, measuring devices, pallet jacks, forklifts, hoists, or other material handling equipment is preferred.
• Basic math, reading, measurement, computer, communication, and production documentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow work orders, coating formulas, product specifications, safety instructions, chemical handling requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Dependable attendance, a strong work ethic, and the willingness to participate in UV coating training, equipment trials, process improvements, cross training, and continued technical development.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and 401(k) benefits.
• Specialized training in UV cationic coating, UV curing technology, release liner manufacturing, and continuous web processing equipment.
• Hands on training and cross training opportunities in coating, printing, laminating, converting, quality, materials, and other production operations.
• Opportunities to participate in equipment trials, process development, continuous improvement initiatives, and the continued expansion of GAL coating capabilities.
• A defined career path with opportunities to advance from UV Coating Operator to Operator Lead, Supervisor, and other production leadership positions.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate controls and handle tools and materials, reach, bend, stoop, climb, and communicate effectively with team members.

The employee must be able to load and unload materials, position rolls and cores, assist with machine setup and changeovers, and work safely around moving production and UV curing equipment. The position requires the ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and push, pull, or move materials weighing up to 100 pounds, with or without assistance.

The employee must be able to work for extended periods in a fast paced manufacturing environment that may include noise, heat, ultraviolet curing equipment, production chemicals, and moving machinery. The employee must follow all equipment safety procedures, UV shielding and interlock requirements, chemical handling procedures, and required personal protective equipment standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Griff Network is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person