Lamination Machine Lead: 1st Shift

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POSITION TITLE / LOCATION:

Lamination Lead: 1st Shift / Salisbury, MA

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Hourly, Non-Exempt

POSITION REPORTS TO:

Value Stream Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Lamination Lead is responsible for guiding daily operations within the lamination department, serving as the primary point of coordination between machine operators and the manager. This role ensures production schedules are met, equipment is operated safely and efficiently, and quality standards are consistently achieved. The Lamination Lead provides hands-on technical expertise, assists with training and coaching, and helps identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

 ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-to-day direction to Operators to meet production targets, safety requirements, and quality expectations.
• Assist in machine set-up, troubleshooting, and adjustments to maintain product standards.
• Act as the first point of contact for Operator questions or issues, escalating to Supervisor as needed.
• Train and mentor team members on operating procedures, safety practices, and quality checks.
• Monitor production data, including output, scrap rates, and downtime; communicate trends to Supervisor.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by contributing ideas to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure housekeeping, 5S standards, and proper use of tools/equipment in the work area.
• Coordinate shift handoffs and communicate key production details to incoming teams.
• Cover Supervisor responsibilities on a limited basis, as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

QUANTIFIABLE MEASUREMENTS OF THIS POSITION:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years machine operation experience, including lamination or similar processes.
• Demonstrated leadership ability; prior lead or backup lead experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of production schedules, safety standards, and equipment operation.
• Mechanical aptitude with proven problem-solving ability.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs., stand for long periods, and work in manufacturing conditions.
• Effective communication and coaching skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School degree or GED
• Ability to communicate at all levels and with the ability to understand and communicate ideas both verbally and written.
• Familiar with the Operation of production machinery
• Ability to understand Production Schedules
• Good mechanical skills
• Ability to calculate and problem solve

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to speak, read, write in both English and Spanish

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USED:

• Safety Eyewear (additional when executing certain tasks)
• Steel Toe Safety Shoes
• Hairnet
• Cut resistant gloves, chemical gloves, etc. as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS                                   FREQUENCY, AMOUNT, OR DESCRIPTION                                                    

Standing: Ability to stand while working- 95% of day

Sitting:  Ability to sit down- 5% of day

Moving: Ability to move throughout plant- 100% of day

Lifting:  Ability to lift to 60 lbs.-100% of day

Ascending/Descending: Ability to walk upstairs, climb to top of range (approx. 16 ft)- 75% of day

Push/Pull/Reach: Ability to push/pull fabric rolls, A-frames (approx.1500lbs)- 10% of day

Bending: Ability to pick up objects from the floor- 25% of day

Visual Acuity: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens- 5% of day                 

Cognitive: Alert. Able to make decisions, reason, and understand information- 100% of day 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION

This job operates in a manufacturing facility. This position is a safety-sensitive position and regularly works around moving mechanical parts and powered industrial vehicles. Noise level is generally loud. Temperatures can be more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity level can be more than 98% for 100% of day. 

SHIFT/WORK HOURS

Shift schedule will depend on open positions at time of hire and will be communicated with new hire paperwork. Weekends and holidays are scheduled depending on business demands. 

• To be determined at time of hire
• OT when scheduled

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.