Machine Operator

NEWTON

Monday, 04 May 2026

This role operates a Looper Saw to cut large foam buns into rolls according to precise specifications in a high-volume manufacturing environment in Newton, KS. You will work on 1st shift, support continuous production, and ensure accurate measurements, documentation, and safe material handling while maintaining a clean and organized work area. Responsibilities. Operate the Looper Saw to cut 100-foot foam buns into rolls according to production orders and specifications. Fabricate long foam buns into rolls that meet required thickness and length using tape measures and an audit wheel. Convey material from storage racks to the Looper Saw and perform basic material handling and warehousing activities. Accurately read, interpret, and transfer information from cutting schedules to the Looper Cutting Report. Transfer information from long buns to the Looper Cutting Report and enter data into the computer to create accurate barcode labels. Count, record, and document production information, ensuring all transactions and quantities are accurate on a daily basis. Match the Looper Cutting Report to the production report at the end of each shift to confirm that all rolls were cut and labeled correctly. Delete all unused labels at the end of the shift to maintain accurate inventory and documentation. Use math skills to understand and calculate measurements, fractions, and weight scales and document them correctly. Follow verbal and written procedures, including work instructions and safety processes, and record information accurately. Understand and correctly apply Lock Out–Tag Out (LOTO) procedures when necessary to ensure equipment is safely secured. Perform physical labor that may require exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally while handling materials and equipment. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area, ensuring scrap foam and debris are removed before leaving at the end of the shift. Work cooperatively with a small team, including supervisors and other operators, to support continuous production and minimize downtime. Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance to support production schedules and customer demand. Adapt to changing production needs, including working extended hours and some Saturdays when required. Essential Skills. At least 2 years of manufacturing machine operation experience is required, with a preference for 5 years operating manufacturing machines or equipment. Proven experience working in a fast-paced production environment with repetitive tasks. Ability to read, write, and count accurately, including understanding and applying measurements and fractions. Ability to read and understand measurements down to 1/16 of an inch using tools such as tape measures. Ability to use and understand weight scales and document measurements accurately. Ability to manage paperwork, including reading and updating schedules and completing production reports. Ability to comprehend and follow both verbal and written procedures and record information accurately. Understanding of Lock Out–Tag Out (LOTO) principles and ability to use LOTO effectively when required. Capability to perform heavy physical work, including exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally. Flexibility to work overtime, including some weekends, based on production demands. Demonstrated reliability with regular and predictable attendance. High school diploma or GED. Additional Skills & Qualifications. Experience operating vertical or horizontal saws is helpful but not required. Experience in manufacturing, production, construction, plastics, or similar industrial environments. Comfort using tape measures, audit wheels, and basic production tools. Demonstrated stability in work history, showing the ability to remain in roles longer than 3–6 months. Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work cooperatively in a small team environment. Coachable attitude with a willingness to learn new processes and adapt to feedback. Ability to work on your feet for 8–10 hours per day in a repetitive, fast-paced setting. Bilingual skills are a strong asset in this work environment, though not required. No specific certifications are required for this role. Why Work Here? You join a close-knit, production-focused team where your reliability and craftsmanship directly support a continuous manufacturing operation. The environment emphasizes safety, cooperation, and coachability, providing opportunities to grow your skills on specialized equipment while working alongside a small, supportive group of colleagues. The position offers a clear contract-to-hire path over approximately 90 business days, giving you the opportunity to transition into a long-term role based on performance and fit. Flexible first-shift hours with overtime opportunities allow you to increase earnings while contributing to an essential part of the production process. Work Environment. This is a 1st shift role in a foam manufacturing facility in Newton, KS. Typical hours range between 5:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with variations such as 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or up to 5:00 p.m., depending on foam pouring and production needs. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with some Saturdays from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. as needed. The work area is a small, hot production space where foam is continuously poured and processed 8–10 hours daily, and the smell of foam can be strong, which may be challenging for individuals with sensitivities or allergies. You will stand and move on your feet for most of the shift while operating the Looper Saw and handling materials. The team in this area is small, typically 2–3 people including supervisors, creating a tight, collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on accuracy, safety, and minimal errors to keep the production line running. The workplace is heavily bilingual, so multiple languages are commonly spoken on the floor. You are expected to maintain a clean and safe work area, keeping the space free of scrap foam and debris at the end of each shift. Appropriate industrial work attire suitable for a hot, manufacturing environment is required, with a focus on safety and practicality. Job Type & Location. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of NEWTON, KS. Pay and Benefits. The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/ Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type. This is a fully onsite position in NEWTON,KS. Application Deadline. This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 2026.

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