Machine Operator

The Fiber Expeditor is responsible for the initial handling and acceptance of optical fiber into the OFS fiber inventory and storage area. This includes removal from the shipping boxes, unwrapping spools, placing on storage racks, scanning fiber into the system, and designating fiber colors on bobbins for the coloring process.

The Fiber Expeditor is responsible for staging natural fiber for the coloring lab several times per day in order to maintain the stock level of colored fiber needed to complete factory orders in the buffering and ribbon areas.

The Fiber Expeditor is responsible for pulling and staging optical fiber for the buffering, ribbon and other manufacturing (Central Core) lines as applicable to match order specifications and maintain a constant manufacturing flow. This requires keeping an accurate inventory of fiber (colored and natural), and completion of documentation and reports as required.

The Fiber Expeditor is responsible for performing optical test using an OTDR to verifying the length of fiber remnants returned to the lab. Based upon the length criteria these fibers are then returned to inventory or sent to the fiber scrap area.

Meets with the previous shift's expeditor to review orders and production status. Works closely with the buffering, coloring, ribbon associates, production control and lead person. Maintains the inventory and staging areas in an organized, clean and safe manner and performs additional task as assigned by supervision.

CORE SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

JOB TITLE	READING	MATH	COMPUTER
Fiber Expeditor	3	2	3

ESSENTIAL WORK CATEGORIES:

The following describes the work categories associated with the essential duties and responsibilities of this job:

• Fiber Issuance: Removes required natural fiber bobbins from storage and shipping boxes, places on a rolling rack, rolls to scanner work station, scans tags on bobbins, and identifies the required color on each bobbin; allocates natural fiber to the Coloring Operation, specifying the color and amount needed to meet customer orders; moves fiber to and from fiber storage, coloring, buffering, ribbon staging areas; updates computer logs and fiber inventory records.
• Staging: Analyzes order status, reviews upcoming orders, and checks the fiber inventory for fiber meeting order specification. Locates, pulls, stages, and releases fiber to the coloring, buffering, ribbon and other applicable areas; updates the fiber inventory system to track fiber removed from or added to inventory; monitors volumes of fiber returns to maintain an even flow of work in the fiber storage area.
• Remnant Length Verification: Operates and OTDR to verify the length of all fiber remnants returned from the manufacturing processes and ensures each spool of fiber has the new length clearly marked on the fiber label prior to being returned to inventory or placed in the scrap container.

Time Spent per 8 hr. work day: 85%
Frequency: Many times per day.
Significance: A most significant part of the job.

• Remakes and Rework: Responsible for issue of remake orders for cables and buffer tubes. Pulls required fiber from inventory and allocates it to the remake work order. Replaces fiber on allocated tubes where specifications for tube requirement are not met.

Time Spent per 8 hr. work day: 5%
Frequency: Several times per day.
Significance: A routine part of the job.

c) Paperwork: Updates daily output logs, daily work in-process report and the buffer tube remake log. Prepares and distributes weekly reports to Purchasing, Production, and Production Control on fiber usage, inventory levels and other fiber tracking reports.

Time Spent per 8 hr. work day: 5%
Frequency: Several times per day.
Significance: A routine part of the job.

• Communication: Maintains current fiber and work in-process computer inventoried and communicates with the team leaders any coloring and buffering production priorities or allocation changes. Queries the computer on special requests from the managers and team leaders.

Time Spent per 8 hour work day: 5%
Frequency: Several times per day.
Significance: A routine part of the job.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.