Single Facer Operator

Smurfit Westrock

San Antonio, TX

Estimated pay: Est. $33–$37/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

Shift: Full time

**Single Facer Operator**

**The Opportunity:**

Department: Corrugator / Production Position Title: Single Facer Operator Reports To: Corrugator Supervisor / Production Supervisor Location: Corrugated Container Manufacturing Plant

**How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:**

The Single Facer Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining the single facer equipment on the corrugator to produce high-quality single-face corrugated board that meets production and customer specifications.

This position requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a strong understanding of machine operations, quality standards, and safety procedures. The operator is expected to identify and correct issues promptly, minimize waste and downtime, and work closely with the corrugator team to maintain efficient production.

**What you need to succeed:**

1. Machine Operation and Production

• Set up, operate, and monitor the single facer equipment according to production schedules and specification
• Verify flute type, paper grades, roll widths, and other job requirements before production.
• Monitor machine speed, temperature, pressure, adhesive application, and paper alignment.
• Perform flute cartridge changes and machine adjustments as required.
• Coordinate paper changes, splices, and production transitions to minimize downtime and waste.
• Maintain consistent material flow and communicate with the corrugator crew to support production efficiency.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify the supervisor or maintenance department when necessary.

2. Quality Control

• Inspect single-face board throughout production to ensure it meets established quality standards.
• Monitor flute formation, adhesive bonding, paper alignment, and board condition.
• Identify and correct defects such as crushed flutes, poor bonding, wrinkles, and damaged paper.
• Verify proper starch application and monitor adhesive system performance.
• Perform quality checks and document results according to plant procedures.
• Immediately communicate quality issues that could affect finished products.
• Follow procedures for identifying, isolating, and reporting nonconforming material.

3. Safety and Equipment Care

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) and machine guarding requirements.
• Use safe practices when handling paper rolls, working around moving machinery, and performing authorized adjustments.
• Follow established procedures when cleaning starch lines, switching valves, draining systems, and performing washdowns.
• Verify proper valve positioning and flow direction before transferring water or adhesive to prevent contamination.
• Never bypass safety devices or perform work outside authorized training.
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, near misses, and incidents immediately.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards.

4. Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Conduct required pre-shift equipment inspections.
• Monitor machine performance and identify potential mechanical or operational problems.
• Perform authorized routine cleaning, lubrication, and operator-level maintenance.
• Inspect starch lines, valves, rollers, belts, and other accessible components as required.
• Work with maintenance personnel to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Report abnormal machine conditions and document problems appropriately.
• Follow established procedures during machine shutdown, startup, and equipment changeovers.

5. Documentation and Communication

• Complete required production, quality, downtime, and inspection records accurately.
• Communicate operational concerns, equipment issues, and quality defects to the supervisor.
• Provide clear shift-to-shift handoffs regarding machine condition, adjustments, and outstanding issues.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and supervisor directions.
• Participate in training, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.

**Minimum Qualifications**

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or industrial machine operation experience preferred.
• Corrugator or single facer experience strongly preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and understand production orders, measurements, and machine specifications.
• Basic math skills and ability to use measuring tools.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and assigned shifts based on production needs.

**Required Skills and Competencies**

• Safety Awareness: Consistently follows safety procedures and recognizes potential hazards.
• Attention to Detail: Monitors equipment settings and product quality to prevent defects.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Understands basic machine functions and recognizes abnormal operating