Production Operator - Kiln department

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-minded Kiln Operator for our B, C & D-Shifts. In this role, you will monitor, operate, and maintain critical production machinery in our tile manufacturing process, including the kiln entrance, exit, and loading systems. You will play a vital role in ensuring continuous production flow, maintaining product quality, and upholding our strict safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Monitoring: Actively monitor unloading, kiln entrance, kiln, kiln exit, and loading machines to ensure proper tile flow and prevent double-stacking, misalignments, or breakage.
• Troubleshooting & Jam Clearing: Safely stop the line and enter machines (after required cooling/wait times) to clear jams and correct abnormal conditions.
• System Resets: Restart and reset machines after maintenance, housekeeping, or issue resolution.
• Quality Inspections: Inspect tiles and monitor roller conditions through kiln spy windows to ensure top-tier product quality.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and replace rollers as needed, install roller insulation, and assist with general maintenance.
• Housekeeping & Safety: Perform routine housekeeping inside and around machines; safely dispose of broken tile fragments, dust, and debris in designated waste hoppers.
• Hazard Awareness: Participate in facility walkthroughs to identify and report hazards (wet floors, stray cables, etc.) and follow strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and E-stop protocols.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 1+ years of manufacturing, machine operating, or industrial production experience is highly desired.
• Machinery Skills: Ability to monitor and operate automated machinery and industrial equipment.
• Safety First Mindset: Strong commitment to OSHA guidelines, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, and LOTO procedures.
• Self-Motivation: Able to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Quick to identify mechanical or material issues and take corrective action to minimize downtime.
• Dependability: Strong track record of consistent attendance, reliability, and teamwork.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Activity: Standing and walking on concrete floors for extended periods; frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Lifting Capacity: Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to high temperatures (especially near the kiln area), dust, noise, and vibration.
• Required PPE: Steel-toe boots, safety glasses, gloves, and cut-resistant sleeves must be worn at all times.

The Del Conca Group is one of the most important industrial entities in the Italian ceramic tile industry and is composed of four manufacturing companies – Ceramica Faetano, Ceramica del Conca, Pastorelli , Del Conca USA Inc., a business corporation, Produco, and the Cino Mularoni Foundation, which primarily focuses on social and cultural initiatives.
Del Conca USA is established in Loudon, TN to combine local production and italian design.

Company Description

The Del Conca Group is one of the most important industrial entities in the Italian ceramic tile industry and is composed of four manufacturing companies – Ceramica Faetano, Ceramica del Conca, Pastorelli , Del Conca USA Inc., a business corporation, Produco, and the Cino Mularoni Foundation, which primarily focuses on social and cultural initiatives.\r\nDel Conca USA is established in Loudon, TN to combine local production and italian design.