Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!

Scope of Responsibility

Cascade Engineering has an opening for a Set Up Technician 1 - Material Hander. This position will allow you to grow, learn, train, and be developed. Material Handlers at Cascade Engineering will be working in the Plastic Injection Molding environment mainly handling raw resins, and will monitor and adjust material delivery equipment, as well as maintain an efficient process to keep presses supplied with material.

Location: Buursma Plant (4950 37th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512)

Shift: Day Shift 6am – 6:15pm (working 3 days one week, 4 days the next and every other weekend)

Target Pay: $20.50 - $24.33 (plus .60 shift premium and quarterly bonus incentive!)

General Responsibilities

Day to Day - Follow Standard Work and procedures in performing all tasks as assigned. Safely utilize tools and equipment to produce high quality products and includes knowing how to use Personal Protection Equipment, proper lifting techniques, safety around conveyors. Use STOP authority to minimize scrap production. Follow standard work to correctly identify and handle non-conforming product

Process and Documentation - Support the establishment of Flow Cell certification. Keep the work area clean using the 6S process in support of Flow Cell Certification. Enter and/or verify scrap numbers into MODS as directed by standard work. Read and apply information provided on deviations and quality alerts. Update and utilize documents and information as required within the flow cell

The Technical Parts and Systems - Set up/tear down the work cell following the correct process. Performs color changes safely and efficiently. Performs calibrations on all blenders (load cell and rate). Ability to read a Bill of Materials (BOM). Capable of using MODS including: queuing up the next job, downtime entry, utilizing the transaction wizard and blender manager, and recording material waste. Consistent and accurate use of inventory systems, specifically QAD. Understands and utilizes Lockout Tag Out procedures. Communicates effectively including shift change overs, walkthrough’s and material changes. Ability to troubleshoot vacuum systems, basic mechanical knowledge of vacuum systems and material line setups. Utilizes Kanban/pull system/FIFO. Ability to troubleshoot blender issues, basic mechanical knowledge of material system. Dryer knowledge: planning process, pre-staging, set-up, change over, and basic functions. Practices inventory control including labeling partials and communicating discrepancies

Work Instructions - Ability to calculate how much material is needed for a particular run and only loads/dries what is needed (dried material, colorant, additives, and alternative). Follows work instructions. Performs TPMs on secondary equipment, as needed. Locates material and moves to maintain production. Performs and documents moisture checks (MQ1) and FPA’s. Fills out Utilization Sheet/Alternative Material Log/Lot Traceability Log. Responsible for completing and maintaining all required training, including but not limited to: Routsis Online Training, LOTO Class and Certification, forklift testing and licensing, “7 Habits” leadership class, “Diversity Theater”, etc. Other duties as assigned

Cascade Enterprise System - Understand and support CES methodology. Utilizes CES methodologies and tools to improve effectiveness and efficiency in material handling. Maintain 6S standards in all work to support Flow Cell Certification

At Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community.  If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply.  We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success. 

Requirements
 

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must have a valid Drivers’ License OR
  • Be able to use all 4 limbs such as arms, legs (upper and lower limbs), torso/trunk at the shoulder
  • Have coordination of eyes, hands and feet
  • Not have any known/documented convulsive disorders and corrected vision (a valid Michigan driver’s license or a doctor’s note verifying proof of the corrected vision)
• Must have basic reading and writing skills
• Must have basic technical math skills
• At least 1 year prior experience in Material Handling; specifically working with raw resins (plastics) is preferred

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
• Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
• 401K with match – Starting on Day 1
• Flex Spending
• Quarterly Bonus Program
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
• Onsite Medical Clinic

Perks

• Weekly Pay
• Childcare Assistance (Tri-Share)
• Flexible Hours & Scheduling
• Attendance Recognition Program
• Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
• Employee Discount Programs
• Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Uniforms / T-shirts
• Employee Resource Groups
• Smoking Cessation Products and Programs